Podcasts about faith in jesus christ

Explore the profound teachings of Jesus on entering the Kingdom of God. Delve into the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisee Nicodemus, where the concept of spiritual new birth is introduced as a the way of salvation. Uncover the significance of John 3:16, arguably the most famous verse in the Bible, which encapsulates God's love for humanity and the path to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Whether you're familiar with Christian doctrine or new to biblical concepts, this episode offers a deeper understanding of how to enter God's kingdom and experience spiritual new life.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to have on the show for a third time: Child and foster care, religious abuse, child sexual abuse, trafficking, and satanic ritual abuse survivor and whistleblower, campaigner of historical child abuse, Founder of S.A.F.E. - Seek And Find Everyone abused in childhood, independent researcher and reporter, and someone I'm honored to call my friend: Dave SharpA little bit about Dave and what we discussed in his first 2 testimonial episodes he was on previously as a refresher or if you are new here: Orphaned at birth, Dave was surrendered to the care of the Catholic Church - a sanctuary that promised safety but delivered a nightmare of unimaginable horror. For sixteen harrowing years, from infancy to adolescence, Dave was not raised but trafficked across Scotland, shuttled between shadowy houses in Glasgow's underbelly, where priests - men cloaked in sanctity - presided over rituals of pure evil.Imagine a child, no older than six, locked inside a coffin in a moonlit garden. The lid slams shut. Stones rain down, each thud a mock burial, the air thick with terror as grown men laugh. This was no isolated incident. Dave and other children were taken to satanic sex parties - drugged, and violated by multiple predators, his screams drowned in a sea of depravity. These were not random acts of cruelty but organized atrocities, embedded in a network that preyed on the most vulnerable: children like Dave, with no family, no voice, no escape.His abusers were not strangers lurking in alleys. They were the very guardians entrusted with his care - priests, nuns, and officials hiding behind collars and titles. They targeted him because he had no one to run to. The system designed to protect him became his prison, its architects his tormentors. Dave's story rips the veil off a chilling truth: the safest place for a pedophile is the one with unlimited access to children.At sixteen, Dave broke free, but the scars never faded. Flashbacks still seize him - vivid, violent memories of coffins, altars, and blood. Other survivors find him, drawn to his courage, whispering testimonies that mirror his own. Their stories are not coincidences. They are proof of a systemic rot festering in plain sight, shielded by respectability and titles.But Dave is no victim. He is a disciple of defiance, anchored by an unshakable faith in Jesus Christ. In his darkest hour, he declared: “I am so grateful that God has chosen me to go out and show the evil that exists in Scotland and to tell the world to put His children first.”Because of Dave, the darkness is losing its grip. Because of Dave, the voiceless are finding their roar. Because of Dave, the next generations will inherit a Scotland - and a world - where the innocent are shielded by warriors who once walked through fire and chose, against all odds, to rise. The children of tomorrow will run free, laugh loud, and sleep in peace - because one orphan refused to stay silent, and instead became an unbreakable force.CONNECT WITH DAVE: X: https://x.com/davesharp59CONNECT WITH EMMA: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationpodcastofficialRumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheImaginationPodcastEMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.com OR standbysurvivors@protonmail.comMy Substack: https://emmakatherine.substack.com/BUY ME A COFFEE: hSupport the show

The children of God are peacemakers.  A peacemaker is someone who intentionally works to help people reconcile with God and others.  Anyone who does the hard work of peacemaking will be blessed by God.Main Points:1. The word “peace” in Matthew 5:9 combines two Greek words.  Together they mean to bring about wholeness, to bring all the essential parts together in wholeness.2. Peace-making requires God's power.  Real and lasting peace is impossible to create without God's help.  You can't make what you don't have.  The only way to have inner peace is to make peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.3. Peacemaking is such hard work that it's easier to say…. “I'm staying out it.”  We try and fail and get discouraged, so we give up.  But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can all work to be peacemakers, and in doing so we are a reflection of God's character.  Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”Romans 5:1 - “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.”2 Corinthians chapter 5:18 -  “God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I reconnect with KathyGrace Duncan, who briefly shares her remarkable journey of living as a man for 11 years before finding transformation and true identity in Christ. The bulk of our conversation focuses on what it means to move from “head knowledge” of identity in Christ to “heart belief,” exploring how God renews our minds and hearts through Scripture, prayer, and community. KathyGrace offers practical wisdom on embracing our true identity in Christ, overcoming old patterns, and living as those who are permanently loved by God. It's an honest, hope-filled conversation about ongoing transformation and the freedom found in God's love.For more info on KathyGrace and navigating identity issues, visit PortlandFellowship.com and ChangedMovement.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Testimony of living as a man for 11 years despite being biologically female.Transformation and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.Involvement in ministry work, particularly in women's and transgender ministry.Exploration of identity in Christ and its cultural and spiritual significance.Biblical perspectives on identity, referencing scriptures from 1 Peter, Ephesians, Galatians, and Romans.Concepts of the "old man" and the "new man" in relation to personal transformation.The process of renewing the mind and its importance in spiritual growth.Distinction between intellectual knowledge and heartfelt belief in God's truth.The role of prayer and community in facilitating ongoing transformation.Encouragement to embrace one's identity in Christ and live out that truth.More Resources:Identity: What Foundation Are You Building On?* by John FortIdentity in Christ* by Neil T. AndersonLove Thy Body* by Nancy PearceyRelated Podcasts:Embracing God's Image in GenderChanged: The Amazing Transformation of a Former Lesbian PastorOvercoming Shame and Embracing Your True Identity*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

The believer is separated from the world simply because he has hope. The world is searching for both hope and peace, but they will never find it. Why? It comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 14, 2025, succeeding President Russell M. Nelson after the latter's death. This calling continues the Lord's established pattern, confirming the longest-serving living apostle as the new Prophet through revelation and priesthood authority. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen explores the life of President Oaks with excerpts from interviews conducted in the days and weeks surrounding the prophetic calling. Family members, general Church leaders and the counselors in the First Presidency share lessons from their experiences and observations of the Prophet of the restored Church. They testify of President Oaks' preparation for this role as the Lord's mouthpiece to the world (see Doctrine and Covenants 21:5), as he has proven himself a man of faith in Jesus Christ, family and law. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Have you ever wondered how it is that someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ? Pastor Colin shows us three different camera angles.

Send us a textTwo words can flip your story from despair to hope: but now. After Paul spends pages laying out the gravity of guilt, the silence of the law, and the certainty of judgment, Romans 3 opens a door most of us never knew existed: righteousness from God, revealed apart from the law and received by faith in Jesus Christ. We walk through that door together, not with swagger but with empty hands, learning why justification by faith alone is the cornerstone of the gospel and the difference between trying harder and finally being made right.We trace the promise of grace across Scripture. Abraham and Isaac climb Moriah with wood and fire, and a ram appears in a thicket—then a prophecy rings out: the Lord will provide. Centuries later, on that same ridge now called Golgotha, the promise becomes flesh as the Lamb of God bears sin once for all. David's poetry in Psalm 22 reads like a report from the foot of the cross—pierced hands and feet, a heart like wax, lots cast for clothing—reminding us the gospel is not an afterthought; it is the plan from the beginning. Along the way, we confront common assumptions: why “being pretty good” cannot justify anyone, how the law rightly condemns but cannot rescue, and why faith is not a work but the way to receive what Christ has already accomplished.This conversation is more than doctrine; it's an invitation. We hear an unforgettable picture of grace in a mother who chases her daughter through a dangerous city, leaving photos with a simple promise on the back: wherever you are, whatever you've done, I will forgive you. That is the heart of sola fide: not what we provide to God, but what God has provided for us in Christ. If you carry shame, if you're tired of measuring yourself against a scale you can't balance, or if you're simply curious about what makes Christianity good news, this is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review telling us what “but now” means in your life.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Send us a textTwo words can flip your story from despair to hope: but now. After Paul spends pages laying out the gravity of guilt, the silence of the law, and the certainty of judgment, Romans 3 opens a door most of us never knew existed: righteousness from God, revealed apart from the law and received by faith in Jesus Christ. We walk through that door together, not with swagger but with empty hands, learning why justification by faith alone is the cornerstone of the gospel and the difference between trying harder and finally being made right.We trace the promise of grace across Scripture. Abraham and Isaac climb Moriah with wood and fire, and a ram appears in a thicket—then a prophecy rings out: the Lord will provide. Centuries later, on that same ridge now called Golgotha, the promise becomes flesh as the Lamb of God bears sin once for all. David's poetry in Psalm 22 reads like a report from the foot of the cross—pierced hands and feet, a heart like wax, lots cast for clothing—reminding us the gospel is not an afterthought; it is the plan from the beginning. Along the way, we confront common assumptions: why “being pretty good” cannot justify anyone, how the law rightly condemns but cannot rescue, and why faith is not a work but the way to receive what Christ has already accomplished.This conversation is more than doctrine; it's an invitation. We hear an unforgettable picture of grace in a mother who chases her daughter through a dangerous city, leaving photos with a simple promise on the back: wherever you are, whatever you've done, I will forgive you. That is the heart of sola fide: not what we provide to God, but what God has provided for us in Christ. If you carry shame, if you're tired of measuring yourself against a scale you can't balance, or if you're simply curious about what makes Christianity good news, this is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review telling us what “but now” means in your life.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Today,as we are looking at the last verses of Ephesians 2, we need to remember thatPaul has been talking about separation beginning in verses 11-12. TheJews were separated from the Gentiles, the Gentiles from the Jews. They bothwere separated from God because of sin. Next, we see reconciliation inverses 13-18. How now through the blood of Jesus Christ, we've been reconciledto God. We can be reconciled and have peace with one another. In these lastverses, Paul speaks of unification.  Paulhas repeated the word "one" to emphasize the unifyingwork of Christ: "who has made both one" (Ephesians2:14); "to create in Himself one new man" (Ephesians2:15); "might reconcile them both to God in one body" (Ephesians2:16); and, "we both have access by one Spirit" (Ephesians2:18). All spiritual distance and division have been overcome by Christ. In theclosing verses of this chapter, Paul gives three pictures that illustrate theunity of believing Jews and Gentiles in the church. Weare now one new nation (v. 19a).  Israel was God'schosen nation, but they rejected their Redeemer and suffered the consequences.The kingdom was taken from them and given to "a nation bringing forththe fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43). This "new nation" isthe church. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holynation, His own special people, (1 Peter 2:9-10).  Inthe Old Testament, the nations were reckoned by their descent from Shem, Ham,or Japheth (Genesis 10). In the Book of Acts, we see these three familiesunited in Christ. In Acts 8, a descendant of Ham is saved, the Ethiopiantreasurer. In Acts 9, a descendant of Shem, Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul theapostle. And in Acts 10, the descendants of Japheth, the Gentiles in thehousehold of the Roman soldier, Cornelius. Sin has divided mankind, but Christunites by His Spirit. All believers, regardless of national background, belongto that "holy nation" with citizenship in heaven (Philippians3:20-21). “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly waitfor the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ". Weare now one family(v. 19b). “But fellow citizens with the saints and members of the householdof God”.  Through our faith in Jesus Christ,we enter into God's family, and God becomes our Father. This wonderful familyof God is found in two places, "in heaven and earth" (Ephesians3:15). Living believers are on earth and believers who have died are in heaven.None of God's children are "under the earth" (Philippians2:10) or in any other place in the universe. We are all brothers and sisters inthe one family, no matter what racial, national, or physical distinctions wemay possess. Weare now one temple(vv. 20-22). In the Book of Genesis, God "walked" with His people.Enoch walked with God (Genesis. 5:22-24). And Noah walked with God (Genesis6:9). But then in the Book of Exodus, God decided to "dwell" with Hispeople:  (Exodus 25:8). God dwelt in thetabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38) until Israel's sins caused "the glory todepart" when the Philistines captured the ark in battle. (1 Samuel 4).  ThenGod dwelt in the temple Solomon built (1 Kings 8:1-11). But again Israel sinnedand the glory departed: “Then the glory of the LORD departed from thethreshold of the temple…” (Ezekiel 10:18-19). God's next dwelling place wasthe body of Christ: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and webeheld His glory " (John 1:14). But men took and nailed this body to a cross. Today,through His Spirit, God dwells in the church, the temple of God. God does notdwell in man-made temples, including church buildings (Acts 7:48-50). Goddwells in the hearts of those who have trusted Christ: (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And God dwellsin the church collectively as we see in these last verses in Ephesians 2:20-22. Ourunity is in Christ and is best displayed when we love one another despite ourdifferences! GodBless!

British Evangelist J.John shares how he transitioned from being agnostic to a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. With numerous inspiring stories, he unfolds the simple message of the Gospel and shares how every believer can engage with and show genuine concern for others in our families, neighborhoods, and communities. Get a copy of Jesus Christ: The Truth for a gift of any amount. Want more wisdom from J.John? This free collection contains over three hours of content featuring his most popular talks on topics like having a godly perspective, accepting your identity in Christ, the proofs of Christianity, and the true meaning of Christmas. There's no place like home, right? Just as home brings a sense of belonging, rest, and security, so does a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't have one, this article can show you how to find your place in God's eternal family. Watch the documentary and join the FREE 4-part study to impact the culture for Christ. Find resources from the Focus on the Family counseling team for navigating transgender issues. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send Jim a voicemail! Click here. Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

274. Holy Spirit Stories and Fruit and Ways to Identify His Guidance in Our Lives with Margaret Feinberg   Exodus 31:3 NIV "and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—"   *Transcription Below*   Questions and Topics We Cover: Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, so will you share some insight into what you've been learning about the Holy Spirit from your most recent research for your latest book, entitled The God You Need to Know? If someone listening has trouble identifying the Spirit's role and God's direction or Jesus' voice in their life, how would you encourage them to grow in attention and recognition of His voice and leading? Do you have any stories to give as illustrations for the Spirit still mightily being at work in the world and in people's lives today?   Margaret Feinberg, one of America's most beloved Bible teachers, speaks at churches and conferences and hosts the popular podcast The Joycast. Her books and Bible studies, including Taste and See, Fight Back with Joy, More Power to You, and The God You Need to Know have sold more than one million copies and received critical acclaim and national media coverage from the Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and more. She was named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today. Margaret savors life with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Zoom.   Margaret's Most Recent Work: The God You Need To Know Book and Bible Study   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Dream Seller Travel, Megan Rokey   Other Related Episodes on The Savvy Sauce: 150 Brain Science and Spiritual Abundance with Ken Baugh Special Patreon Re-Release Theology and Discipleship with Ken Baugh 259 God Speaks to His Kids . . . Here's How with Chris Allen Fruitful with Laura Dugger   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:09 - 2:18) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Do you love to travel?   If so, then let me introduce you to today's sponsor, DreamCellar Travel, a Christian-owned and operated travel agency. Check them out on Facebook or online at DreamCellarTravel.com. Today we get to learn from one of the most joyful human beings I've ever encountered.   My guest for today is Margaret Feinberg, and she's an author and researcher and podcaster and speaker. Most recently, her research project turned into a book where she was researching all about the Holy Spirit and His work in the Old Testament and the New Testament, and still His work that's present and active in our lives and around our world today. So, her stories of His specific presence at work in our lives are so moving, and she also pairs that with practical ways that we can more clearly hear from the Holy Spirit and identify His voice in our lives.   We also chat about the true definition of the word weird, which I actually want to elaborate on now because in the moment I couldn't find the definition that was so powerful. So, weird is defined as unearthly or uncanny, extraordinary, involving or suggesting the supernatural, and completely fantastic. Sometimes we think the Holy Spirit may be inviting us into something that seems weird, but He's redefined weird for us, and I just pray that all of us after this conversation will accept the invitation with gladness from Holy Spirit in our lives to join in whatever adventure He has planned for each one of us today.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Margaret.   Margaret Feinberg: (2:18 - 2:24) What a delight to be with you today. It's absolute joy, and you look fantastic, by the way.   Laura Dugger: (2:24 - 2:45) You're so kind. I can tell that joy is one of your markers already, and that makes me think you just have such a rich spiritual heritage in general. So, we don't typically start here, but can you go back and share your parents' story of coming to faith in Jesus Christ?   Margaret Feinberg: (2:46 - 5:22) Absolutely. I share this in the book, The God You Need to Know, in Bible study, but it's pretty beautiful. They actually came to know Jesus back in the 1970s during the Jesus movement, and my father was raised Jewish, and my mom was not really raised much in the church, and so, they got married, and separately on the same weekend, they came to know Christ. My father, back in the 1960s, he was actually a surfboard manufacturer.   He helped build longboards the very first time that longboards were cool, and these customers kept coming into his little store and telling him about Jesus, and eventually he grew so frustrated that one weekend he went out turkey hunting, and he was sitting in turkey blind, had tons of time around him, and decided to sit down and read the entire New Testament over the course of that weekend, and he read it, and he thought, “Wow, Jesus came to earth.”   He lived, he died, and he was resurrected that we can have eternal life for free, and he thought, in his Jewish brain, that is a good deal, and so, he just believed in Christ, and meanwhile, my mom is at home and has her own encounter. She's finishing reading a book by the name of The Great Late Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey, which was actually the best-selling book of the decade back in the 1970s, and at the end of that book, it had an invitation to come to know Christ, and so, both of them come to know Christ separately on the same weekend. They come home on that Sunday, and they're a little awkward about it because it sounds weird. They don't really want to tell each other, and then finally start to spell out, and there's such joy that they both came to know Christ because the Holy Spirit was at work in their lives. What's amazing is that they had been trying to have kids for the first eight years of their marriage and hadn't been able to conceive, and within a month of them coming to know Jesus, I was conceived. So, you just see the work of the Holy Spirit all over that, and that He is leading people to Christ. He is on the move, and sometimes it doesn't involve any of us doing anything, and that's a freedom marker for us. It's not our job to run around and try to save everybody. Holy Spirit is already at work, and when we have the opportunities to be part of that, it is a privilege and a joy. Trust in a God who is so good and so loving and so kind that He will find people through reading books and hiding out in a turkey blind hunting turkeys all weekend.   Laura Dugger: (5:23 - 5:45) That gives me goosebumps even to hear the timing of that and you being conceived. Then you also had a unique childhood. At that time, not as many people were homeschooled, and your story was fascinating. So, what was homeschooling and spiritual discipleship like for you in the growing up years?   Margaret Feinberg: (5:46 - 8:18) Yeah, so, in those early years, my mom and dad had that mom-and-pop kind of surf shop down in Cocoa Beach, Florida. For all you surfing nerds, Ron Jon loaned my dad the money to marry my mom. I mean, so, we're talking deep surfing roots, still friends to this day, and so, they would work, and a lot of you are entrepreneurs and are listening, and you get this, but they would often work seven days a week, 14 hours a day, just trying to keep this little store open with their employee. It just was. It's just a rough business, retail, and so, the only way that they could get away was they would leave the store in the hands of a manager. They decided to buy a really small, inexpensive boat, and we would go sail from the coast of Florida into the Caribbean. So, as we did that, what do we do for school. I remember for third grade, we actually went for an entire year, and so, it was homeschooling. Now, this is like early 80s, and you have to think like it's not exactly fact-checked, reputable, like you send your work in like once or twice a year. So, I'm living on this boat, super remote, not even around a ton of kids, pretty isolated, and I figured out that if I did all my schoolwork in one day that I could play the other six, and so, that was my year of third grade. Fortunately, things turned out okay, but I learned so much more just meeting people from all over the world, surfing or swimming.   I learned how to, at eight years old, shoot my first lobster because we had to survive off the ocean. So, it was an incredible experience. Then after that, ended up going into public school in the later years once we got to like probably fifth, sixth, a lot more steady than those early years. But you know, the thing that I always saw in my mom was I would wake up, and she would usually be on the couch or on the deck of the boat, and she would be reading her Bible, and there was something about that. It wasn't spoken.   It wasn't like you must do this, but I watched it, and I saw it, and now all these years later, that's what I do. So, for all those mamas and papas who are listening and watching, I just want to encourage you - like how you live, those little things, the kids and the grandkids and the great-grandkids, they watch, they see, and it matters, and so, thank you. Those of you who are engaging in those things. It pays dividends for decades and generations to come.   Laura Dugger: (8:20 - 8:28) That's incredible, and then can you share about your own faith journey? You saw that modeled. When did it become personal to you?   Margaret Feinberg: (8:29 - 11:44) Yeah, you know, even as a young kid, I was aware of God and Jesus and Holy Spirit, and just the Lord was very tender to make Himself real to me when I was young. When I went away to college, and this is just normal behavior, you know, there is that kind of making faith your own, figuring it out, and so, my freshman year of college, I partied like a rock star. I got the bees, the beer, the boys, and the Ben and Jerry, like I, you know, I just all the things, and I remember at the end of that year, I had this sense that God was saying to me like, you are my child. I have called you by name.   You are mine. Come back to me, and I read about this in The God You Need to Know, but one of those was a turning point I went to. It was actually a Methodist conference on Holy Spirit, and while I was there, I had an unusual experience, but in it, you know, I'm watching, I'm listening to all these lectures.   I'm in the conference. I'm attending all these things, and at one point, I had a thought pop into my mind that was not my own, and the thought was go to the prayer room and look underneath the tablecloth. I was like, okay, that's weird, but it was like go to the prayer room and look underneath the tablecloth. So, I'm like, you know what? At the end of the day, like what do I have to lose?   I mean the worst thing that happens is I wander into our prayer room. Okay, we'll take the risk, and I remember going in there, and I'm kind of like there's some people praying (a couple). I'm trying to like I don't want to be weird like I know it's a conference on the Holy Spirit, but still I'm like I am not going to be weird about it. So, I'm like trying to peek underneath a tablecloth, and there's nothing there, and there's all these tables around the room. So, I'm kind of like making my way across, and I'm seeing like one lady like eyeing me like what is happening. So, I peek under another one. Anyway, I go table after table, nothing after nothing until I reach the very last table. I pick up the tablecloth, and there is a Bible, and I look, and it's full of like notes and photographs. So, I pull it out, and there's a name on the front, and so, I just kind of said, “You know, excuse me in the prayer room like does anybody know this person, and most people were like no, and one lady says you know what I do know her, and she had to leave the conference early, and I actually have her phone number.” So, all of a sudden I'm on the phone calling this lady and saying “Hey, I just found your Bible on the phone.”    She says, “You have no idea. That Bible is full of decades of prayers and notes and photos that can't be replaced. I have been sitting here praying that someone would find my Bible.” So, I'm just in awe like Holy Spirit, I didn't even know - like wow like this is not just a mental learning.   This is a real experience, and so, I told a couple people at the conference about it. One said' “You know what, actually, if you're driving up that direction, I've been praying to get a ride up that direction.” So, I was able to drop off this ministry worker, return this Bible to this precious woman, and that really became one of the markers in my life. Oh my goodness Holy Spirit is real. He is on the move. He is leading and guiding us, and this is such an exciting thrilling adventure to be on.   Laura Dugger: (11:45 - 12:12) Wow, and it absolutely is. You are an incredible storyteller. It's so powerful the way that you wrote some stories in your books, the way that you're sharing it now. God has really gifted you with that, and that's part of your purpose in life being that storyteller. So, how did you begin to uncover the purpose that God had for you in life?   Margaret Feinberg: (12:12 - 15:09) That's such a great question, so, I'm going to answer that a couple different folds. Can I do that? So, the first answer is all of our purpose is the same. It is to love God, love others, and delight in Him forever.   That is the purpose of all of our lives, and so, that is the answer. At the same time, a lot of what I think you're saying is purpose is a little bit about vocation. Is that right?   And so, we need to recognize that as believers that this idea that somehow our vocation or what we do is our purpose and is supposed to give us meaning and value to God has really only been around for the last 50 to 75 years and largely established in the American culture. But for thousands of years, that has never been the case. And so, what that does is that for a lot of us, when we don't kind of understand that it puts a heavier weight on the job. The vocation that we do to carry all of this burden of purpose, fulfillment, meaning, ordained by God.   I mean, that becomes like a heavy burden for a single job or vocation to carry that it was never meant to. Right? And so, again, back to what is our purpose? It is loving God, loving others, and delighting. And that never changes no matter whether you are raising littles, whether you are whatever the title on your business card, if you still have those, or identification on social, whatever it is. But that never changes.   And so, I think that we have to step back and recognize that. Now, I do understand that I am in a role in which my job provides spiritual meaning. And that is delightful.   And I am super grateful for that. But in that, my spiritual meaning is still not about what books I write or podcasts or any of that nonsense. It's all about how I'm living in my community and real one-to-one relationships that are done privately and never published on social media.   That is the real life. And so, I just want to encourage everyone out there to think that that job is the thing. The job is never the thing.   Now, don't let that distract you because what do you do when you're retired? What do you do if you can't do that job? But if you are in a vocation, if you are in a role, that to understand, yes, God can use that, and to invite Holy Spirit into that space, but to make sure that we don't find our identity in that.   Because that's a short runway. That's going to end at one point. And to really ground ourselves into the eternal and what does not have an end and what will sustain us from our first breath until our last.   Laura Dugger: (15:10 - 16:38) Wow, I love how you put all of that. And so, I'm going to share a story, so, bear with me because you may not be aware, but back in 2013, our lives first crossed paths. So, back then, we were pregnant with our first child.   And my husband, Mark, and I went with my parents to the American Association of Christian Counselors conference in Nashville. And you were one of those keynote speakers at the Opera Land Hotel. And I was just mesmerized by every word you shared.   And so, I see why people write about you, and they say you're one of America's most beloved Bible teachers, because you were so endearing from the first word spoken. But at the time, you were battling cancer. And yet you were still willing to generously and joyfully share about the goodness of the Lord and the ways that we encounter Him in nature through olives and bees and so on.   But the one other thing that has stuck with me for over a decade is when you encourage the audience of probably thousands of people in attendance, that if we don't know what to be thankful for today, be thankful for nose hairs. So, do you remember that?   Margaret Feinberg: (16:39 - 19:24) I do. Yeah, that defined gratitude in the little things and in the heart. I do.   And the reason I said that, because without context, that sounds really, really strange. But whenever anybody who's out there and is walking through any medical, whether that's mental health or physical challenges, one of the difficulties is in the medical world, they don't tell you everything that's coming. And so, there are all these hidden surprises, and you can read about it, and you can WebMD it, and you can read online, and all of them are just going to say you're going to die tomorrow.   We already know that. We know we shouldn't Google these things, right? But no matter what you're walking through, there are things that people just don't tell you.   And so, I knew that going through chemotherapy, I would lose my hair. And sure enough, in 10 days, it was all falling out. Nobody told me that that included all my hair, including my nose hairs.   And so, what I had to learn the hard way is when you don't have nose hairs, like kind of what holds anything that's liquid in your nose, it just falls out. And so, my encouragement was to everybody, you don't have anything to give thanks to God for today. Give thanks for your nose hairs.   And just a light way of saying, you know, even when you're walking through the darkness, and I know some of your listeners and your viewers are, you are in dark seasons. And if that is you, I just want to say, I get you. I get it.   I have battled cancer. I have battled autoimmune. I have battled being sick for years.   I have battled being embezzled. I have battled surviving a destructive pastor. I know suffering and pain.   But even when we're in the darkness, we are a people who poke holes in the darkness until it bleeds light. And that's who we are. And gratitude is just one of those tools that helps us do that.   So, I just want to encourage you today, like whatever it takes for you. And there is something in this concept of joy. And I don't quite understand.   I can't quite wrap my head around it. But joy is something that you can give away even when you don't have it. And in the process of giving away joy when you don't have it, somehow our capacity for joy expands.   It's a strange equation in God's economy. It does not add up. It does not make sense.   But whether it's, you know, climbing in an MRI machine and saying, man, has anybody praised God from this square inch today? Whether it's showing up and giving just a simple gift to someone else, whether it's writing the note, whether it's encouraging someone else, even in our own pain. When we do that, our capacity for joy just grows bigger and bigger.   Laura Dugger: (19:25 - 21:58) And now a brief message from our sponsor. Do you have a bucket list of travel destinations? Or maybe you have a special event coming up like a big anniversary, a honeymoon, or even just that first trip to Europe?   If so, you need to call DreamCellar Travel. 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That's worth saying again, in most cases, there is absolutely no service fee for this work.   Instead of booking online and being the one to deal with your airline schedule changes or the sudden change in country entry requirements, or the hotel that looks beautiful but is really under construction, call a professional. Let them deal with the problems that arise while traveling so you can just enjoy the trip. DreamCellar Travel has been planning dream trips since 2005 to amazing destinations such as Alaska, Italy, Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, South Africa, Iceland, and more.   Where do you dream of going? You can reach out to the DreamCellar Travel at 309-696-5890 or check them out online at DreamCellarTravel.com. Thanks for your sponsorship.   You just lived this so well, and I know joy is a fruit of the spirit. Will you share some insight into what you've been learning about the Holy Spirit, especially from all your research from your latest book? As you mentioned, it's entitled The God You Need to Know.   Margaret Feinberg: (21:59 - 25:44) Yeah, I'm super excited about this book and Bible study. I've had a lot of questions about the Holy Spirit since I was a little girl. I remember reading the Bible and thinking, Jesus, He's so real.   He's so human. That I can recognize, and I get the picture of God on the throne, all powerful and sovereign. But when I think about the Holy Spirit, I'd be like, I'm struggling here a little bit.   And growing up in Southern Baptist and Methodist and Episcopal and non-denominational and charismatic, I got little pieces of Holy Spirit, but I just kind of struggled. And I think one of the reasons I struggled is that often, maybe like you, when I ask questions about Holy Spirit, I was like, “Well, you need to go read the book of Acts and read Acts 2.” And that's that beautiful moment of Pentecost where the spirit comes in and it's like a violent wind and tongues of fire.   They descend and people start speaking in other languages and other people hear they're declaring the glories of God. And then all of a sudden 3,000 people get saved. I think that is awesome.   But that doesn't look like my every day. So, I'm not quite sure. And so, for the last few years, I've been struggling to write this book.   And when I really came alive was with a scholar by the name of Jack Levison, and he focused in on the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. And all of a sudden that changed everything for me. Because what happens is if we jump to Acts, and particularly Acts 2 to understand Holy Spirit, it would be like showing up on your wedding day and being like, this is who you're marrying.   And you're like, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I don't know this person. Like we haven't courted. We haven't dated.”   I don't, what, what, what? And yet that's often what we do as believers when we're directing people. And so, I took a deep dive into Holy Spirit throughout the Old Testament, looking at Genesis where Holy Spirit hovers over the waters, the chaos, the darkness, looking at how Holy Spirit hovers over our lives and how that's consistent with God, as in the book of Deuteronomy, as well as Jesus in the New Testament, that hovering like a, like a hen, I wanted to gather the children.   And you start to see this through it. You start to look in the lives of Bezalel, who was the first person who was filled with Holy Spirit, to do what to make and to make those, you know, the tabernacle and to lead an entire guild of artisans. We see the life of the Spirit in Daniel, where all of a sudden Nebuchadnezzar on multiple occasions is saying the Spirit of God is in him.   We have somebody who is literally running around like a wild animal at certain points in his life, who is still recognizing the power of Holy Spirit. I think it's the word in Hebrew is Ketria. We start seeing it in the life of Ezekiel, where the Holy Spirit is lifting him up, giving him new perspectives.   And what's cool is that once you start to recognize the rule of Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, you arrive at Acts 2 and you go, of course, it would happen this way. And suddenly for those of us who for maybe we've been hesitant about Holy Spirit, or maybe we've had maybe a lack of teaching or maybe some teaching that was a little bit abusive and was used to manipulate. Like all of a sudden we can back up from that and be like, oh, Holy Spirit, this is you from the beginning of time.   This is so normal. This isn't weird. This is just part of just being a follower of Jesus.   And so, one of the things that I love about this book is it takes the weird out, takes the scary out. It's so just biblically based, especially in the Old Testament. And I think some of your listeners and viewers will be surprised like, whoa, I didn't know that was, what?   That's where? And that's really fun and exciting.   Laura Dugger: (25:45 - 26:14) Absolutely. I think it did bring to light so many things from the Old Testament, like I said, especially. And I think you were even able to share some of your own stories, and that's why we're so often called to remember.   I think when we preserve and document those and share those stories, we can reflect back and remember God nudging us like he did with you, putting a thought in your mind that was not your own. That increases our faith in others, I think, as well.   Margaret Feinberg: (26:14 - 28:25) I think it really, really does. I think that one of the things we have to remember when Holy Spirit, so, in Psalm 139, we know that God knows he made us in the womb. And so, to recognize that all of us are made differently, and my hunches are some listeners right now who are thinking, man, yeah, I know people who talk a lot about Holy Spirit, but that's just not me.   I don't really see or enact or feel Holy Spirit. And so, first of all to you, I want to say I don't feel Holy Spirit either. I've been to a ton of churches and conferences, and the person on the stage will say, man, do you feel the Holy Spirit here?   And I'll be like, nope, nope, not at all. So, I'm not a feeler. But what I can do in those moments is I can acknowledge with my head, Holy Spirit is here, because we know that as part of the Trinity, Father, Son, Spirit, Holy Spirit is here.   And then secondly, to recognize that like Psalm, you know, that describes that He knew us in the womb, that we are all different. We know today that there's a neurodiversity, right? So, some people learn audio, some people visual, some people like myself, ADD, ADHD.   And God knows that, like the Creator did not make a mistake. And so, wouldn't it make sense that the Holy Spirit, who knows us as the spirit of a living God, would interact with us in different ways? I have an e-newsletter, and I've surveyed, you know, thousands of people, how they recognize the spirit, and it's just so diverse.   Some are like me, a thought pops back in my head that is not my own, that causes me to love God, love others, serve others, take risks in godly good ways. For other people, they do feel it. Some people have like a warmth in their body.   Some people kind of just feel like this, this just comfort or peace, like liquid love that envelops them. Some people recognize God and the Holy Spirit through nature. And so, I listen to this, and I think, doesn't that make sense that God and Holy Spirit would know us so well that He would know how to communicate with us?   And so, that when we start gathering with other believers and say, “Hey, how is Holy Spirit working in your life?” It starts to get this excitement of recognizing it and celebrating it and making it normal and not weird.   Laura Dugger: (28:28 - 28:48) And I think let's even take that one step further. So, if somebody is listening and they currently have trouble identifying the spirit's role or God's direction or Jesus's voice in their life, how would you encourage them with even first steps to grow in attention and recognition of His voice and leading?   Margaret Feinberg: (28:49 - 34:09) Goodness, that's such a great question. Something that's really changed my life in the last few months is my friend, Drake. He's a Young Life leader here.   And he said, Margaret, when I'm training people how to recognize Holy Spirit, he says, “I and the kids get a journal and write one question down for Holy Spirit each day. The question could be about purpose, identity, Holy Spirit, what's on your heart, Holy Spirit, who do I serve today? And write that one question down.”   That's it. That's all we're doing. And then throughout the day, return to that one question in prayer again and again.   And then pay attention to conversations that suddenly you have, Bible passages that flutter through your mind, the sermon that's given, conversations with other believers. Like just pay attention. And it's amazing.   And then the next day or that night, jot down whatever happens. The next day, change the question or keep the same question. And just start changing the posture of your life to pay attention to that one question.   And I think you're going to start to see and encounter some things. It may not happen quickly. It may take a few weeks or even months, but it will happen.   I think I was thinking about this just this morning. I haven't shared this with anybody. But in some ways, like people are like, I don't recognize Holy Spirit.   It's kind of like my friends who are birders. Okay. Some people super into birding.   And I know there are birds. I mean, occasionally I'll see a bird out the window, but birders have a whole different mentality. They slow down.   They pay attention. And they have some tools like binoculars to be able to look and to see. And it's the same thing about paying attention to Holy Spirit.   We've got to slow down, pay attention. And maybe the tool is just asking Holy Spirit one question a day. But suddenly you'll start to see and recognize.   Can I give you a fun story? Please. Okay.   So, just at Easter came around and I was probably a couple weeks before and they're having this crazy good sale at Target on some new releases. So, I'm at the Target website early in the morning before they sell out. And I saw a purse and I bought myself a few things.   But I saw a purse and I immediately thought of my friend Janella. And so, I was just like, I'm just going to buy this for her. Now, let me be clear.   I've never bought a purse for her before. I don't really carry around a ton of purses. I'm a Apple pay, like keep it light.   Like it's just not my thing. But put it in the cart, send it to her. So, I get a text from her about a week or two later.   And she goes, how did you know? Did I tell you about my Easter meltdown? And I said, no, I didn't know.   And she tells me, and I had known this, that her mother had passed away last year. What I didn't know is every single year, since she was a little girl for Easter, her mom would buy her a dress and a purse. And this was the first Easter without her mom.   And she could justify financially buying the dress, but not the purse. And all of a sudden this purse, which wasn't a normal purse. She's like, this is an Easter purse.   I was like, I don't know that, but okay. Arrived. And she said, I just, I just cried because I knew that the Lord saw me.   He heard me. You know, he was with me, part of his kingdom. And so, she says, but here's the thing.   The purse matched my dress perfectly. And you start to see that happen. And I didn't hear a voice from God say, go buy your friend a purse.   I was just like, “Hey, I've been praying every day, a single thing from Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, will you order my steps?” And then you see something that you couldn't orchestrate on your own in 500 years happen.   And you go, that is the work of Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit in the New Testament, it's parakletos. It means advocate.   It can be translated comforter, advisor, barrister. For those of you watch too many British shows like I do, you know, the legal counsel. But if I were to kind of break that down from just biblical words, here's how we know it's the Holy Spirit.   Number one, Holy Spirit will remind you: God loves you. God sees you. God hears you.   And you're part of His kingdom. And what happened in that story was both of us experienced that. God loves, He sees, He hears, and we're part of His kingdom.   And so, that is the thrilling part about life in the Spirit. It's not so I feel good or I have little things that happen. It's about being part of God's kingdom on this earth, living out the life that Christ describes and designed for us.   And so, we cannot do that apart from Holy Spirit. And also, you may notice I haven't been using the term the Holy Spirit because we wouldn't say I talked to the God today. I talked to Jesus.   And Holy Spirit is a person; a person you can have a relationship with. And just as you can have a relationship with Christ and talk to Christ, you can do the same with Holy Spirit who is, again, paracletes, your advisor, your comforter, your helper. Why would you not tap into that?   Why would you want to spend a life missing out on the fullness of that?   Laura Dugger: (34:10 - 36:48) Oh, that's good, and I'll have to try and apply that and refer to Holy Spirit rather than I even did it there, the Holy Spirit. I'm thinking in the book of John, I love the amplified version where it says, “one of the things to describe Holy Spirit is standby.” And I've thought of that so many times because I love looking up definitions and seeing exactly what that means.   And it's just the immediacy of the help available. And that's been a way that I've experienced Him in my life especially the short prayers of help, please help now. Or if I need direction, a lot of times it comes in parenting for me, like, I'm not sure which way to go.   Can you give me discernment right now? And He's immediately available. So, I would say my own personal experience, it's a lot of what you've mentioned, definitely through reading the Bible that I feel like He speaks so much.   You're like, well, bring the words off the page. Journaling is such a practical way. And I'll link to our friend Chris Allen's episode just about hearing from God and training our kids on how they can do the same.   Just those thoughts that they're not always from us, but we're processing thoughts that are given to us. But one other thing, so, this is inspired from your book. You mentioned about dreams and just asking Holy Spirit to speak to you through dreams.   So, in our life currently, one of our daughters is going through some health issues and we were launched into having to do this FODMAP diet. And it's not that big of a deal, but I had never heard of it before. And it limits and restricts quite a few things.   So, the immediate need of that seemed a little bit overwhelming. We're kind of in a busy season and completely revamping everything our family eats all day. I've been preoccupied and kind of consumed with that.   So, twice this week, because in my quiet time I felt like God just kept saying, bring it to me, come to me with this, ask me the questions. And so, I've been journaling and I feel like He's been responding with Scripture. But the last two nights in a row, I've woken up with a recipe in mind for our family.   And that has never happened before. But you are the one who challenged us just to say, just ask. And that was probably, probably started asking over a month ago.   So, thank you.   Margaret Feinberg: (36:49 - 40:32) Wow. I love it. And you know what?   That makes me want to ask. Does that make sense? Like there's this excitement and there's this joy.   When you share about how Holy Spirit is working in your life, I'm like, I want that too. And that's just, yeah, I think that so often we forget who is with us.   The person, the person of Holy Spirit is with us. We don't have to keep all this striving and straining. And man, I got a life hack this on my own.   You know, there is this availability of the power and the presence of the person of Holy Spirit, the spirit of the living God. One thing I want to note on the Trinity, just so that I don't, I don't want anybody to think, oh, she's just cutting out one part of the Trinity. No.   Trinity is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A couple of things on that. Number one, often, and part of the emphasis on the Holy Spirit, a little bit more in looking at this in the Old Testament, is when we see things in groupings of three, we tend to think that the third one listed tends to be lesser than or third place.   Right. And yet Father, Son and Spirit are equal. And what we see throughout the Bible is we have to remember that where there is one, all are present.   And so, like in creation, we see God take the lead. But, you know, Holy Spirit is mentioned in Genesis 1 to Jesus using the reference of we is there. And so, we start to see that the word, I think it's the word perichoresis is this term that describes the Trinity in a dance.   And so, at different parts of Scripture, we'll see one member of the Trinity take the lead, but the others are always present, whether it's, you know, Jesus taking the lead in the Gospels. But we see the Holy Spirit descending like a dove. We see God saying, this is my son and whom I am pleased.   Well, please listen to Him. And so, to recognize that, but also to recognize, again, like this, this reality that Holy Spirit is in us and with us. Like, wow, that starts to change everything.   So, all of a sudden, and you say, “It's no big deal changing the way your family eats. Can I just say that is an enormous deal. The time that it takes to prepare the food, the thinking, the thought space, the bad recipes, it is so big.”   So, you can try to minimize that. But I'm just going to say, “First of all, I'm glad there's a way forward, but I'm sorry, because that is massive. And it's a lot.”   And Holy Spirit wants to meet us there. Remember Genesis 1:2, “In the beginning, God created the heavenly earth and the earth was formless and void.” Tohu wavohu in the Hebrew.   “And the spirit was hovering over.” That word is merechefet. And it means to hover, to brood like a mama eagle.   One rabbi translated it as to flutter. And what is the spirit fluttering? Remember in the Bible, sorry to go to teaching mode, but whenever someone is introduced in scripture, the introduction is the most important.   We see that in the life of Saul. He literally is hiding in baggage and can't find his own donkeys. And it plays out that way, right?   So, how is Holy Spirit introduced? Could have entered any place and comes on the scene hovering over the chaos, the uncertainty, and the unknown. And so, here you are in that place of uncertainty and unknown, a little chaotic.   And what is Holy Spirit? Here's a recipe.    Doing what? Reminding you, you are loved by God. You are seen by God.   You are heard by God. And you are part of this kingdom. Man, when we start to share these stories, it just, oh, it creates this hunger to experience and know the spirit more.   Laura Dugger: (40:32 - 42:02) It does, and it's so humbling, just his loving kindness.    I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website.   You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Heinrichson from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities.   And we are thrilled with the final product. So, I hope you check it out. There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones, so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living.   You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible, so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com.    Are there any other stories that come to mind to think of Holy Spirit being alive and moving and working in people's lives today?   Margaret Feinberg: (42:03 - 46:15) Oh, I'll give you one that I just found. You know what's so funny? Again, when you start to use the prayer prompts, when you start to do these just like a burger, all of a sudden you're like, oh my goodness, I didn't know how many birds there were.   So, went over to our friend's house. It was somebody at church. We actually, they weren't our friends at that point.   We noticed that when they came to our church, the son is on the spectrum. And so, in Sunday school class would often just stare at the wall in the corner by himself, not interact a whole lot, and their daughter. And so, my husband said, hey, let's bring a meal over to them.   And they invited us to stay for dinner. And so, the son comes in and he's probably maybe nine years old, wrapped up in a blanket, like a little burrito. And he won't make any eye contact with us.   You know, the mom's like, say, “Hello to Margaret.” Won't interact. Kind of woombas around, disappears, comes through a few times.   Finish eating. We go out in the living room. And the mom starts telling the story that she was exhausted as a mom.   She was completely burnt out. And she just said, “You know what? I'm going to the reservoir and I'm going to go paddle boarding.”   Just take a few minutes for myself. So, she goes out. She's paddle boarding.   All of a sudden she sees like a piece of paper on the surface of the water. She looks down and she goes, what is that? So, she picks it up.   Turns out to be a QR code to the zoo. Now, she doesn't know if it's used trash or what, but she's like, I'm going to keep this. She paddles some more, sees another piece of paper.   It's another QR code to the zoo. She's like, maybe they blew away from the, I don't, so, she grabs it. And she prays and she says, Lord, now you know that we're a family of four.   So, if we're really supposed to go to the zoo, we need four of these. Keeps paddle boarding. Finds two more.   And so, she comes home and says, “Guys, we're going to try to go to the zoo. I don't even know if these work.” But next day goes to the zoo, scans them.   Boop, boop, boop, boop. They all work. So, they go to the zoo.   So, they're walking through. And all of a sudden, the son comes upon a display of red pandas. And he just stops in his tracks.   And he stares and he watches. And the rest of the family, you know, the sister and the dad want to go on and they do. But he just says, “Mom, can we stay here?”   And so, he stays there for several hours just staring in this strange connection. He's never had, Mom had never seen anything like this with the red pandas. And so, she's telling me this story.   And suddenly I look around their living room and I realize there is panda paraphernalia everywhere. She looks at her son and says, “Honey, why don't you go put on your panda outfit?” Disappears, comes back in the panda outfit.   And all of a sudden, he's looking at us. He's talking to us. He's engaging us.   He goes over to his parents and paws them like a panda. And all of a sudden is snuggling with them. And she says that one encounter at the zoo changed their relationship with their son.   She says there are days that my son will get completely overwhelmed and start having a meltdown. And she'll use panda language and go up to him and say, “Well, you know that pandas eat 13 hours a day. Maybe you need a snack.”   And it is provided this connection and this new language for them as a family that they never had before. All because she went paddle boarding at the reservoir and pieces of paper started floating on the surface of the water. Friends, this is the work and power and presence of Holy Spirit.   Reminding us we are loved by God. We are seen by God. We are heard by God.   And we are part of this kingdom. And for your listeners, that may be strange stories of paper. And that may seem really odd.   But, man, I read a book that talks about Jesus saying, “Hey, go check out the fish.” And all of a sudden a coin to pay taxes comes out of his mouth. I read a book that declares that, you know, he is the alpha and the omega.   He is the beginning and the end. He knows where we are. He knows what we need.   And He wants to intercept. And sometimes that shows up like recipes in your brain in the morning.   Laura Dugger: (46:16 - 47:27) Amen, sister. And you can keep sharing as many stories as you want. But one more.   As I was reading your book, it was actually over Easter weekend. And at that time we had some tornadoes that were passing through the Midwest where we live. And in the middle of the night, we're all up.   We're in the basement. And once the sirens ceased, we got our girls back to bed. And we came and I just wondered, we came back to bed and I thought, is this just going to be for a few moments?   Is it going to happen again? Are we going to be up all night and need to take cover? So, with those concerns on my mind, I crawled back into bed.   And, you know, cortisol is kind of rushing through. So, I picked up your book to read. And my eyes fell to the words you quoted from part of Isaiah 31:5.   So, I specifically fell to this where it says, “He will shield it and deliver it. He will pass over it and will rescue it.” And I fell asleep well knowing that I could receive comfort from Holy Spirit, that the storm had passed for the night and God was shielding our family from it.   And indeed He did. They ceased.   Margaret Feinberg: (47:28 - 47:42) Isn't that incredible? I mean, we talk about I mean, just that's the word of God and the power of Holy Spirit, like speaking right in that moment in that exact situation. That is awesome.   Absolutely awesome. I love it.   Laura Dugger: (47:43 - 48:17) So, I love just Holy Spirit is even working through the words on your pages. I want you to be encouraged. I know you've prayed over this resource, but it's so incredible.   Somebody once said that books are little missionaries. And it's so true throughout the world. You have no idea who's cuddled up in bed reading these words and getting to encounter him.   So, thank you for all of your work for this. But Margaret, do you have any other practical tips that you want to impart to us so that each of us can cultivate the fruit of spirit in our lives?   Margaret Feinberg: (48:18 - 50:39) Yeah, I would say, you know, if you're if you're new to this and this idea, you know, pick up a copy of The Gods You Need to Know. There's also a Bible study. I am passionate about doing this in community.   The Holy Spirit, we often in the Americana church, think of our little personal private relationship with Jesus. And that's not church history. That's not the work of God.   Since the beginning of time, it has always been through relationships and community and recognizing that each of us has something to bring to the table in relationship with God and each other and gifts and talents and insights. I am in my questions. I think I referred to this later or earlier about, you know, I surveyed a bunch of people in my newsletter just about, hey, so, how do you recognize Holy Spirit?   One lady responded and she said, “Well, I recognize Holy Spirit because whenever I'm lost, I ask Holy Spirit for directions, and I just know where to go.” And she goes and it happens over and over in, you know, neighborhoods when I'm driving, when I'm going places. And I thought, okay, so, first I'll just be honest. My first thought was that's weird. I haven't heard that before.   And we assign anything weird that we aren't familiar with. And then I thought a little longer. I thought, man, I want her on my team.   I want her on my team because I get lost all the time. And I think that at times, sometimes we encounter people who encounter the Spirit differently than us. Remember that neurodiversity, but to recognize living in relationship, hearing how Holy Spirit works in different, sharing those stories.   There's something contagious and powerful in it. So, I would say definitely pursue Holy Spirit in relationship with others. Get together with others.   Start talking about this. Start praying together. Holy Spirit, we want to know you.   You know, it's okay to say, Holy Spirit, in the past, I've seen really unhealthy things. Or nobody's really taught me about you. But I trust that as the Spirit of the living God that you want to reveal yourself.   Just start praying, Holy Spirit, I want all of you. See what happens over the course of a week or two of praying that.   And what you become aware of. What Bible passages flutter through your mind. What conversations you suddenly stumble upon.   What answers to things you've been plagued with suddenly come. I trust God that if you ask and you honestly pursue, God will show up and show off.   Laura Dugger: (50:41 - 51:45) I completely agree. And now I'm curious to look up. I feel like the Lord has kind of put on my mind the word weird this year a few times.   Because truly, when you think of what he did, even in the Old Testament, think of Noah, just like, okay, I'm obeying. I'm putting nails in this wood for never seeing rain. It's weird what we're called to sometimes.   And I think that's what can make me hesitate for obedience sometimes. Like, that feels weird. Or I don't want people to think I'm weird.   So, I'm going to look up the definition of weird. I'd love to read it to you. Okay, so, I just looked up the definition of weird.   And it says, suggesting something supernatural or uncanny. And I think we should reframe the word weird. And when we're invited into something weird by supernatural God of the universe, that's an incredible invitation, like you say, to adventure.   So, I hope we can embrace the weird.   Margaret Feinberg: (51:47 - 54:41) And to recognize that feeling of, I don't want to do this. This feels strange. That is universal.   That is not you. That is not unique. And for all of our listeners and viewers, I have it.   Everybody has it. When we're trying to discern, you know, if something is prompted by the Holy Spirit, number one, is this, does this align with scripture? And does it align with the character of God?   Does it increase my dependence on God? Which means it's probably going to go against my natural instinct, which unfortunately is pretty self-word rather than outward. Does it cause me to love God and love others more?   And so, of course, Holy Spirit is going to be working in this expansive ground to pull us away from our self-word direction outward. And that is always going to be stretching and feel strange. And sometimes we're not going to see the outcome.   And we've got to become comfortable with that. We are not responsible for the outcome. We are responsible for obedience.   Some time ago, I swim a lot. And I just felt just in my gut, like, talk to the person in the lane next to you. And so, I go out swimming, and he's next to me, and I'm like, okay.   And so, I started this conversation with this elderly gentleman. And I'll just be honest. It was more like a non-versation.   I mean, we talked about sports ball teams and the weather and nothing. I really cared. Nothing deep.   Nothing meaningful. And on one hand, maybe I misheard. Okay.   But no harm, no foul. I mean, I showed kindness to a stranger. Loved others.   Like, there's no, like, okay. You know, on the other hand, I will never know what might have happened. Maybe he felt left alone.   Maybe he felt seen. But the outcome doesn't matter. And so, there are going to be times that we step out, and we see it, and we encounter it, and it's so exciting.   And there's going to be other times that we go to that thing, and we go, Lord, I didn't even know what that was. But maybe that was about quick obedience. You know, almost like building a muscle, getting stronger to say, you did it then.   I'm going to keep challenging. I'm going to give you opportunities to do this again and again. Because I want you on the front lines of, you know, eyes are searching to and fro for people who are, you know, obedient, quick to respond, that Holy Spirit wants to use.   And so, know that not seeing a result, totally normal. Keep going. Keep going.   Because you will see responses sometimes. And it is awesome. And in part of that, it's almost like building a muscle that I think God is so gracious and so loving kind that he will show you, like, quick outcomes sometimes when you respond to that little impulse to keep you going.   But there are going to be times you're not going to see them, but he's still at work. Because, again, you may be one of 17 people in a long chain where the fruit or the outcome as part of God's kingdom is still coming. And after a while, it's fine to be number 4, 7, 9.   You don't always have to be number 17.   Laura Dugger: (54:42 - 55:06) That's so good. That is such the biblical principle of being faithful with little. And then sometimes He allows us to be faithful with much.   And, Margaret, this is not your only resource that you've written for all of us to enjoy. Can you share some of your other resources and what's available or what you've learned that we may learn if we pick up a copy?   Margaret Feinberg: (55:06 - 56:31) Yeah. You know, I've definitely the most passive. I just gave four years of my life to this book and Bible study.   I do a ridiculous amount of research, so, I'm very, very slow. So, top would be The God You Need to Know book and Bible study. But I think another one, and you referenced it earlier, is a book called Fight Back with Joy, and it's also a Bible study.   And it just takes a look. You know, it tells a little bit about my cancer story, but it's really about anybody who's battling anything. You know, sometimes in life we pick the battles, and sometimes the battles pick us.   And sometimes that's in your marriage, maybe a custody battle. It may be a health issue. It may be a financial calamity.   It may be the loss of a business. There's just so much in a strange relationship with a kid that you love so much. And in that darkness, you know, it's so easy to sink.   And this book and study is just, it shows that more than whimsy, joy is the weapon we use to fight life's battles. And gives just tons of practical tactics on how to enact that and what that looks like, and how, most importantly, how to rally around others in a healthy, beautiful way when they are in the midst of that. I think one of the failures of the church today is to really equip and train believers of every size and form of how to love others well in the midst of their pain.   What to say, what not to say, how to give, how to support. And this book and resource really does that well.   Laura Dugger: (56:32 - 56:43) Oh, so grateful for all of those. We'll make sure and add a link in the show notes. And if we want to connect or follow you after today's conversation, where would you like to direct us online?   Margaret Feinberg: (56:44 - 57:09) You can find me at my website at Margaret Feinberg. I do my most loving of my people, I'll just be honest, through my e-newsletter. I mean, I sit down, I pray over, I pour my heart and my life into that.   It's quiet. Nobody ever sees it. I am also on socials, on Instagram, at Facebook, at MA Feinberg, at Margaret Feinberg.   But I would love to connect with you. And if anybody wants to email, my email is hello@margaretfeinberg.com.   Laura Dugger: (57:09 - 57:26) Love it. Thank you for sharing all of that. And you may be aware that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment.   And so, as my final question for you today, Margaret, what is your savvy sauce?   Margaret Feinberg: (57:27 - 58:05) My savvy sauce is waking up every day and asking the Holy Spirit one question. When I don't know what to pray, I just say, “Holy Spirit, order my steps.” And if you will do this, you will do this for just 15 days.   I have a belief. It may just change the course of your life. The great part, it takes less than 30 seconds.   This is not doing heavy lifting. This is not time consuming, man. If you're raising those littles and you are overwhelmed, if you're running a business and you are overwhelmed, something very simple like this can change everything.   Laura Dugger: (58:06 - 58:10) So good. And you are so obviously connected to the vine, to the Lord. And I just want you to receive this, the fruit of the spirit.   I have experienced every single one in this conversation from engaging with you today. You are loving, joy, peace, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. And all wrapped into one.   So, praise the Lord for the way He made you. You are an absolute delight. I have enjoyed this so much.   Thank you for being my guest.   Margaret Feinberg: (58:10 - 58:11) What a privilege and joy. Grateful for you.   Laura Dugger: (58:11 - 1:02:30) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.    Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.    We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.    That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.    This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.    Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.    And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.    First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.    You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.    We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.    And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.    And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Title: The Door Of HopeSpeaker: Grant HugoDate: 15th October 2025Location: Adelaide, Australia This episode explores the powerful theme of hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Matthew 7, Ephesians 2, and other scriptures, it reflects on how each person—whether raised in the faith, seeking truth, or coming from hardship—has the same opportunity to find lasting peace and renewal through the Holy Spirit. Through personal testimony and scripture, the message highlights that God’s promise is not just about attending church, but about becoming part of His living body—a temple built upon Christ, the cornerstone. True hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident assurance rooted in God’s promises, sustained through trials, and strengthened by fellowship and faith. 3 Key Points: Hope is a gift from God, made personal through the Holy Spirit. Our peace with God brings unity, purpose, and strength through every trial. The hope of eternal life is our greatest treasure, far beyond worldly gain. Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2025 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 06 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 39 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 KJV "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 NLT "So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you." James 4:7 AMPC "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" 1 Peter 2:9 KJV "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 NLT "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Exod. 19:5, 6.]" 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" 1 Peter 2:21 KJV "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21 NLT "For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps." 1 Peter 2:21 AMPC "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" 1 Peter 3:18 KJV "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18 NLT "For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit," 1 Peter 3:18 AMPC "casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 KJV "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]" 1 Peter 5:7 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

Pastor Glenn Lawson continues our series on the book of Daniel, covering how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego defy King Nebachadnezzar's decree to worship idols. What does faith in Jesus Christ look like when a government or culture commands you to reject your beliefs and bow down to idols instead of God?

This final message in the book of Acts centers on the hope of Israel as the resurrection-based expectation of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. Drawing from Paul's ministry in Rome, it emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's work is essential for true understanding, repentance, and salvation—transforming dead hearts into living ones. The message underscores that genuine faith involves not just intellectual assent but a divine renewal by the Spirit, resulting in a sure and certain hope grounded in God's unchanging promise. This hope, shared by all true believers across time, is not a faint wish but a confident assurance of eternal life, resurrection, and the ultimate glory of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in a sinless, everlasting existence. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for increased faith, so that believers may walk in the same certainty about their eternal future as they do about present realities.

Introduction and Background Denis Kozlov, originally from Russia and now an American citizen, shared his testimony of God's calling to plant a church in Florida. He reflected on his friendship with Pastor Matthew and how their connection was rooted in spiritual discernment rather than analysis—trusting the flow of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged believers to live where the Spirit of the Lord flows, not just where logic leads. Main Theme: The Benefits of the Gospel (from Galatians) Kozlov's sermon was based on the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians. He emphasized that the gospel of grace and law-based religion are mutually exclusive—they cannot coexist. The Galatians had begun their faith in the freedom of grace but drifted back into legalism. Kozlov highlighted that Christians must resist the temptation to “bargain” or earn favor from God; grace is a pure gift that cannot be mixed with self-righteousness. Four Benefits of the Gospel Kozlov identified four key benefits believers receive through the gospel: Justified We are forgiven and declared righteous before God as though we have never sinned. Justification is not based on works or law-keeping, but solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Christ became a curse for us, taking on our sin so we could live in the freedom of His righteousness. Kozlov used the illustration of his U.S. citizenship—his new passport changed his status permanently; likewise, believers now approach heaven with full acceptance. Adopted We are legally adopted as children of God, no longer slaves or outsiders. God has made us heirs with Christ—fully legitimate and loved. Kozlov reminded the congregation that even when we feel distant, adoption is not based on emotion but on divine truth. He quoted Galatians 4:4–7 to show that God sent His Son to redeem us and make us part of His family. Indwelled The Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Sonship—lives within every believer. This Spirit enables us to cry “Abba, Father,” expressing a deep, trusting intimacy with God. Kozlov shared moving personal stories illustrating how God became a true Father to him after growing up without one. As a child, he was lifted onto a man's lap to “drive” a car—God later used that memory to show how He gives us dignity and guidance. As a young man, when praying about marriage, God taught him responsibility by asking, “You tell me,” shaping him into a mature believer. Empowered The gospel empowers us to walk by the Spirit, not just experience emotional highs in worship. Kozlov compared the Christian walk to an inchworm—we move forward when our head (faith) and our feet (action) stay connected. Many believers receive inspiration but never act on it; faith must lead to daily obedience and small steps of faith. The true fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—comes only through the Spirit's life within us, not through human effort. Closing Message Kozlov concluded with Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” He encouraged believers to: Live rooted in Christ's love and grace. Stop trying to earn God's favor. Recognize that the Christian life is not self-effort but Christ in us, the hope of glory. He summarized the benefits once more: Justified – Heaven is open to you. Adopted – You are a legitimate child of God. Indwelled – You carry the Spirit of God within you. Empowered – You can live and act by the Spirit every day. Pastor Matthew's Closing Exhortation Pastor Matthew concluded by emphasizing the power of overcoming: Denis' life testified that anyone can rise above hardship—fatherlessness, poverty, or pain. Many believers live burdened by past wounds, but Christ calls us to overcome. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself,” he urged. “You can be an overcomer through the Word of God.” The altar was opened for prayer, inviting those ready to leave behind defeat and step into new life through Christ. Core Message The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about striving—it's about receiving. You are justified, adopted, indwelled, and empowered. Live as a child of grace, not a slave of the law. And let your life become a testimony that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.  

The sermon centres on the urgent call to faith in Jesus Christ, drawing from John 3:16–18 to emphasise that salvation is available through belief in the Son of God, while unbelief results in immediate condemnation. It underscores the gravity of rejecting Christ—not as a mere moral failing, but as a legal and spiritual verdict rooted in the refusal to trust in Him as the sole Savior. The preacher highlights the profound love of God in sending His Son not to condemn, but to save, yet stresses that the consequence of unbelief is not future judgment alone, but present condemnation due to the rejection of Christ's name. Through vivid imagery of justice, mercy, and the finality of divine judgment, the message calls listeners to recognize their need for a new birth, repent of their spiritual pride, and embrace Christ alone for salvation. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, combining deep theological conviction with heartfelt appeal, inviting every hearer to respond in faith before the day of judgment arrives.

Beck explores the practice of silence and solitude, why God longs to speak, how Jesus modeled withdrawal, and simple ways to find stillness in a noisy world. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.

Reformation Day, celebrated on October 31st, marks one of the most transformative moments in church history — the day Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. In today's prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that though Luther never sought to divide the Church, his bold stand for truth and his devotion to Scripture became a catalyst for reformation and renewal across the Christian world. As Lynette Kittle reflects, Luther wasn’t a rebel or revolutionary — he was a truth seeker who rediscovered the heart of the Gospel: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8). His translation of the Bible into German opened the Word of God to everyday people, making Scripture accessible to all who longed to know God personally. Today, we commemorate Reformation Day not only as a historic event but as a call to continue valuing God’s Word above all else. Scripture is living and active — teaching, correcting, and equipping us for righteousness. Let us be inspired by Luther’s example to study God’s Word deeply and boldly share the Good News of salvation by grace alone. Today's Bible Reading:“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16

Pastors' Point of View Ep. 380 with Dr. Andy Woods“Prophecy Update”Topics covered:BabylonSocietal sinsPersecutionApostasyWhile the world celebrates Halloween, let's remember this is Reformation Day - the day Martin Luther took his stand on Scripture alone over 500 years ago. Today, we need that same commitment to God's Word more than ever.Bible prophecy isn't just about the future - it's unfolding right now. From Babylon's economic revival in Iraq to persecution rising globally, from California's assault on parental rights to the church's growing biblical illiteracy, we're witnessing Jesus' predictions coming to life.Did you know Iraq just launched "Vision 2050" to position Babylon as a hub for 20% of Asia-Europe commerce? Or that new laws now allow strangers to make medical decisions for your children without parental consent? These aren't random events - they're prophetic markers.Jesus warned that the last days would mirror Sodom and Gomorrah's depravity. Paul predicted the church would turn from sound doctrine. We're watching both unfold simultaneously.But here's the hope: these signs point to Christ's imminent return. We have the blessed hope of the rapture before the tribulation begins. The question is - are you ready? Have you placed your personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation?Don't be discouraged. Be discerning. Stand on Scripture alone. The darker it gets, the brighter our light should shine.Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. - Titus 2:13

What gives someone the courage to stand up for truth—even when it costs them everything? Martin Luther’s bold stand for the Gospel wasn’t born from rebellion but from revelation. Rooted in Ephesians 2:8, his discovery that salvation comes by grace through faith ignited a movement that changed history. Having the heart of a reformer means loving God, loving His Church, and being unwilling to compromise the truth of Scripture—no matter the consequences. Highlights A reformer’s heart begins with a deep passion to draw close to God and live by His Word. Luther’s relentless study of Scripture led him to uncover the truth of salvation by grace, not works. True reformers love the Church enough to seek its correction, not its destruction. Luther’s bold action—nailing his 95 Theses—sparked a spiritual awakening that shaped Christianity. Sharing the truth requires courage, humility, and a willingness to face rejection. Luther’s legacy reminds us that faithfulness to God’s Word outweighs fear of man. Every believer is called to carry that same conviction—to speak truth in love and protect the purity of the Gospel. Join the Conversation What truth has God been stirring in your heart to stand for, even if it’s uncomfortable? Share your thoughts with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithThatTransforms #StandForTruth #HeartOfAReformer.

Friday, 31 October 2025   Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? Matthew 13:55   “Not this, He is the carpenter's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus returned to His fatherland and began teaching in the synagogues. The people were amazed and wondered where He got His wisdom and abilities to perform the miraculous. They next exclaim, “Not this, He is the artificer's Son?”   It is a new word, tektón, an artificer or craftsman. This could be in wood, stone, metal, etc. The general thought and tradition is that Joseph was a woodworker. However, some believe he worked in stone. There is a stone quarry in the area of Nazareth where objects have been found, such as cups, that have been fashioned out of stone.   From the time of Homer down, the word was used to define a woodworker, such as a carpenter, joiner, shipbuilder, etc. To limit Joseph to one specific trade or another may be to limit the application of the word. For all we know, he was a general artificer who worked in wood, stone, etc.  Continuing with the query, the people continue, saying, “Not His mother, her called Mary?”   They are not asking this as if they could be wrong, as in, “We thought He was Mary's Son? No?” Rather, the reason for the question is that they definitely know He is Mary's Son. Thus, they know all about His family line. He is not a mystery to them. Rather, He grew up with them. And more, they next ask, “And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?”   The word used is adelphos, coming from the connective particle a and the word delphus, the womb. Thus, it literally means, “of the same womb.” That is the sense that should be considered here. However, for the cult of Mary who insists she was a perpetual virgin, it is argued that the word can be extended to people in close personal relationships, of the same people (such as Jews), etc. It can also be applied to those born to one of two parents, etc.   In other words, in order to justify their stand, the claim by those of the Mary cult is that these are Joseph's sons but not Mary's. The normal and reasonable sense that anyone reading this without a bias or presupposition would agree upon is that this is speaking of Jesus' brothers from Mary, especially when she was just mentioned prior to these words.   The point of the questioning by these people is that their words otherwise form an emphatic proclamation. “We know Jesus! We know His father's trade, and we know His mom and siblings!” With such a knowledge base about Him, they will next reveal why this understanding is important to them.   Life application: In reading the record of Jesus in the gospels, it is inconceivable that someone would suddenly start highlighting Mary as the key figure in the narrative. She is hardly mentioned at all. Her purpose for being mentioned clearly centers on Jesus, and then she is not mentioned other than incidentally at any other time.   To focus on Mary as those in Roman Catholicism do makes as much sense as focusing on Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned way more than Mary, the mother of Jesus. But the devil knows how to misdirect people. He has done it since our first parents in the Garden of Eden.   In getting people to take their eyes off the Lord, he has the ability to rob them of the prize, meaning a right relationship with God and the surety of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If this can be passed down from one generation to the next, the level of veneration will normally increase.   This is certainly the case with the cult of Mary. It has become a global phenomenon that has robbed innumerable souls of properly directed faith in Jesus. Don't be swayed away from what God wants us to focus on when we read Scripture. That is Him and how He has revealed us in the coming of Jesus Christ.   May we hold fast to Him, fixing our eyes on Him, and never being distracted from that goal and focus all the days of our lives –   “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-3   Glorious God, the whole world is trying to rob us of our focus on You and what You have done in the giving of Jesus Christ. Leading that attempt is the devil, who is ever striving for us to turn from You and to do things our own way. Give us wisdom, strength, and the fortitude to stand against this and to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus. Amen.

Todd Nettleton is vice president of message for the Voice of the Martyrs-USA. Todd is also host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. In his position, he serves as a voice for persecuted Christians, inspiring Christians with the faithfulness of Christ's followers in over 70 nations where they face persecution for wearing His name. During more than 25 years serving at VOM, Todd has traveled the world and conducted face-to-face interviews with hundreds of Christians who've endured persecution in more than 30 nations. He is the author of When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians. Others bring comfort when they pray for you. However, when was the last time you prayed for the persecuted church? There are many who suffer on account of their faith in Jesus Christ. Some are behind bars, some have received physical beating, some are being denied a place to live or a job to earn a living, while others are cast out of their family. Like you, such individuals are greatly encouraged when they know other believers are praying for them. This is the focus of this Crosstalk as we approach the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Some churches will be participating this Sunday November 2, while others will participate the following Sunday. Regardless of the date, it's important for us to be praying for those suffering on account of their faith in Christ. So don't miss this broadcast as Todd had much to talk about!

Todd Nettleton is vice president of message for the Voice of the Martyrs-USA. Todd is also host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. In his position, he serves as a voice for persecuted Christians, inspiring Christians with the faithfulness of Christ's followers in over 70 nations where they face persecution for wearing His name. During more than 25 years serving at VOM, Todd has traveled the world and conducted face-to-face interviews with hundreds of Christians who've endured persecution in more than 30 nations. He is the author of When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians. Others bring comfort when they pray for you. However, when was the last time you prayed for the persecuted church? There are many who suffer on account of their faith in Jesus Christ. Some are behind bars, some have received physical beating, some are being denied a place to live or a job to earn a living, while others are cast out of their family. Like you, such individuals are greatly encouraged when they know other believers are praying for them. This is the focus of this Crosstalk as we approach the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Some churches will be participating this Sunday November 2, while others will participate the following Sunday. Regardless of the date, it's important for us to be praying for those suffering on account of their faith in Christ. So don't miss this broadcast as Todd had much to talk about!

The Spirit of Faith is described in 2 Corinthians 4:13: "we (1) BELIEVE and therefore (2) SPEAK." Pastor Derek shares about (1) believing God's Word with our heart, and then (2) speaking it forth with our lips. Faith in Jesus Christ connects us with God and His grace. We see how we express and release our faith through words and actions. This message emphasises the importance of our submission to God and of boldly speaking our faith.

The Spirit of Faith is described in 2 Corinthians 4:13: "we (1) BELIEVE and therefore (2) SPEAK." Pastor Derek shares about (1) believing God's Word with our heart, and then (2) speaking it forth with our lips. Faith in Jesus Christ connects us with God and His grace. We see how we express and release our faith through words and actions. This message emphasises the importance of our submission to God and of boldly speaking our faith.

At the heart of John chapter 3 lies one of the most transformative truths in all of Scripture: we must be born again. This message confronts us with a stunning reality—that religious achievement, heritage, education, and moral effort cannot earn our way into God's kingdom. When Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus, a highly respected religious leader and member of the Sanhedrin, He was addressing someone who had climbed to the pinnacle of spiritual accomplishment in his culture. Yet Jesus looked past all of Nicodemus's credentials and went straight to the heart: 'Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' As we examine this passage, we're reminded that billions of people across the world still operate under a works-based understanding of salvation, believing they must earn their way to heaven through good deeds, religious observance, or moral living. Even many who identify as Christians have somehow attached works to their salvation. But the gospel message is radically different: salvation is a free gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. We can know—right now, in this moment—that we have eternal life, not because of what we've done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind's complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 23 | Season II “The Wisest Person Dr. Hensley Has Ever Met”In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley introduces listeners to someone who has been quietly woven into the fabric of her story for many years—her dear friend Ashley Endenstrom. If you've been a loyal listener, you've likely heard Dr. Hensley mention Ashley many times, often referring to her as the vessel that led her to seek a relationship with Jesus.The episode begins with Ashley courageously sharing her personal testimony—one shaped by heartbreak, unwavering faith, and profound redemption. From the pain of failed relationships to being told she would never bear children, and even the devastating loss of a child, Ashley's story is nothing short of miraculous. Today, she is the proud and joy-filled mother of five healthy children, all conceived naturally. Her journey is one of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith.As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Hensley opens up about the pivotal season in her life when God placed Ashley in her path. It was a time marked by unimaginable pain: the loss of her ex-husband, navigating grief with her children, her mother's cancer diagnosis, a turbulent relationship with a dismissive avoidant partner, and even a painful fracture in her friendship with Raina. Through Ashley's steadfast faith and presence, God worked powerfully—restoring, healing, and holding space for Sarah in ways that would change her life forever.Throughout the episode, Ashley offers multiple Bible verses that beautifully reflect the unwavering love and grace of Christ, weaving scripture into real-life moments of redemption and resilience. Dr. Hensley also reflects on the many pieces of wisdom Ashley has poured into her life over the years—what she lovingly calls “Ashleyisms.” These are the heartfelt phrases, profound one-liners, and gentle truths that have anchored Sarah in some of her most difficult seasons. Many of these sayings have become personal touchstones for Dr. Hensley, quietly shaping her faith, her healing, and the way she shows up in her practice and in her life.Listeners will hear all three women's personal faith journeys and how they have grown and deepened over the years—and how their relationship with Christ has enriched every part of their lives.Important Note: This episode is deeply Christian-based and speaks openly and candidly about faith in Jesus Christ. Both Raina and Dr. Hensley believe in creating an inclusive space for everyone while honoring their personal spiritual journeys. If this message doesn't align with your beliefs, feel free to skip this episode with love and respect.For those who are seeking a closer connection with God—or are simply curious about what that might look like—this episode offers a heartfelt invitation to experience Christ's love. Ashley's gentle wisdom, combined with Dr. Hensley and Raina's shared reflections, create a deeply intimate conversation about faith, healing, and divine love.The central message of this episode is beautifully simple yet profoundly true: God is Love.And if you are searching for more in your life—more peace, more meaning, more connection, more healing—our hope is that you'll open your heart to the possibility of that love.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley's services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley's Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley's online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyLinks to books referenced in episode: "Experiencing God" -- https://a.co/d/buOZbDD"The Inner Voice of Love" -- https://a.co/d/gOhSRJ1Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

The central message of the sermon is that eternal life is found solely through faith in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, as testified to by Scripture, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Drawing from key passages such as 1 John 5, John 14:6, and 2 Peter 3:9, the preacher emphasizes that God's Word is the ultimate, incorruptible seed by which believers are born again, and that rejecting this truth amounts to calling God a liar. The sermon confronts human reasoning and ecumenical pluralism, asserting that no other name or path leads to salvation, and warns against the danger of prioritizing man's logic over divine revelation. It calls listeners to embrace the Spirit's convicting witness, accept the record of God's gift in Christ, and respond in humble faith, knowing that God desires all to come to repentance and eternal life. The tone is both urgent and pastoral, urging a decisive choice between divine truth and human compromise.

Former Navy SEAL and DEVGRU Operator Eddie Penney spent decades on the frontlines of war. But his hardest fight began when the shooting stopped. In this episode with Chad Robichaux, Eddie shares his journey from the elite ranks of DEVGRU to the depths of addiction, loss, and suicidal thoughts and how faith in Jesus Christ saved his life.Hear raw truths about identity, porn addiction, fatherhood, the veteran suicide crisis, and the controversial rise of psychedelic therapies in the military. Eddie's testimony is a blueprint for redemption and resilience. A reminder that no warrior is too far gone to be restored.Follow Eddie: https://www.instagram.com/eddie.penneyGet Eddie's Book: https://a.co/d/dcAjUpiLearn more about Eddie's Unafraid Ministry: https://unafraid.orgRESILIENT:Live Resilient Store: https://shop.theresilientshow.comJoin Our Patreon: https://patreon.com/theresilientshowFollow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientshowFollow Us On Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/resilientshowFollow Us On TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientshowFollow Chad:⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadrobo_official⁠https://www.x.com/chadroboSPONSORS:Smith & Wesson: ⁠https://www.smith-wesson.com/⁠Vortex Optics:https://vortexoptics.comGatorz Eyewear: ⁠https://www.gatorz.com/⁠Allied Wealth:https://alliedwealth.comBioPro+: ⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/CHAD30⁠BioXCellerator:https://www.bioxcellerator.comThe Holy Waters:https://theholywaters.comGet The Resilient Show x Uncharted Supply Co Bag: https://shop.theresilientshow.comTRS is a proud supporter of military & first responder communities in partnership with Mighty Oaks Foundation.

What makes a church truly thrive? In this episode, we look at two churches that are growing spiritually — not financially — because they stay faithful to expository preaching and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.No gimmicks. No prosperity promises. Just faithful preaching of the Word, caring for the community, and supporting missions.We also close by sharing the heart of the Gospel itself: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 10:9–10). This isn't about building bank accounts — it's about building believers.

The sermon centers on the certainty of salvation as revealed in 1 John 5:9–13, emphasizing that believers can know they have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate and infallible witness of God. It affirms that God's testimony—recorded in Scripture—is superior to human opinion or experience, and that the Word of God, as the incorruptible seed, is the foundation of spiritual rebirth and assurance. The preacher underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation, rejecting relativism and affirming the authority of Scripture over personal feelings or religious pluralism. Through the 'four R's' framework, the message calls believers to rest in God's reliable witness, find comfort in the clarity of divine revelation, and share this truth with others, especially those struggling with doubt. The tone is pastoral and urgent, combining theological conviction with practical encouragement for personal assurance and evangelistic responsibility.

Baptism represents a powerful symbol of an inward change through outward expression, demonstrating a complete U-turn from self-dependence to God-dependence. It involves both confession of our inability to earn salvation and profession of our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus was baptized not because He needed salvation, but to set an example, illustrate the gospel message, and begin His public ministry. Biblical baptism should be done by full immersion in water after someone has personally trusted Jesus as Savior. Like a wedding ring declares marriage status, baptism publicly declares our relationship with Christ to the world.

Job asked the most important question that has ever been asked: "How can a man be righteous before God?" (Job 9:2). The answer is that the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ can be imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ!

October 26 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 38 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” Hebrews 9:24 KJV “For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf.” Hebrews 9:24 NLT “For Christ (the Messiah) has not entered into a sanctuary made with [human] hands, only a copy and pattern and type of the true one I'll, but [He has entered] into heaven itself, now to appear in the [very] presence of God on our behalf.” Hebrews 9:24 AMPC “so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28 KJV “so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 NLT “Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him.” Hebrews 9:28 AMPC “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14 KJV “For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14 NLT “For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.” Hebrews 10:14 AMPC “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV “Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”” Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT “Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] [Josh. 1:5.] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? [Ps. 27:1;118:6.]” Hebrews 13:5-6 AMPC “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8 KJV “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT “Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).” Hebrews 13:8 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

At some point, we all end up at the end of our rope. Sometimes it's our own fault. Sometimes it's not.  At those times – we feel that we need to do something – it's like the last roll of the dice …   Jesus Christ Superstar It is just fantastic to be with you again today and today we are going through the last message in a four week series called, "Taking God at His Word". God makes a whole bunch of promises in His Word about who we are in Christ. Jesus, when you think about it, is the "feel good" factor, but every time I get up and I say, “We need to feel good about who we are in Christ,” someone will come up to me afterwards and say, “No, no, no, we shouldn't talk that way. We're sinners; we shouldn't be full of ourselves. No, you shouldn't talk that way.” And my answer is, “Come on! Jesus came to give us abundant life – life to the full. He said, “When I set you free, you'll be free indeed.” And again, later, Paul, the Apostle, writes, “For freedom, we have been set free.” The whole point of Jesus dying on the cross to pay for our weaknesses and our failures – yeah our sin – and Him rising again, the whole point of that – the death and resurrection – is that we should have a new life – a fresh start when we put our faith in Him. That doesn't mean that there's a magic wand and nothing bad will ever happen to us and that we won't face adversity – no, it doesn't mean that. But it means that we can face everything that the world throws at us; that life throws at us and feel good about who we are in Jesus Christ. Since the day that Jesus came into my life, into my heart I have been able to feel good about myself. Not because of who I am; not because of what I've done but because who Jesus is and what He's done for me. We need to ditch the self-image – and we all have a self-image of who we are - sometimes that is an arrogant, pompous self-image, as mine was and sometimes it is such a low self-image. You know, people who suffer with low self-esteem have a low self-image. We need to take that and say that's the old man; that person is dead. I have a new image of who I am. I am made in the image of God and I am going to have a faith image. It is time, people, to take God at His Word. The first three programs in this series – firstly three weeks ago, we started off with a program called, ‘Come as you are' and we saw how God says that we have Jesus, the High Priest, who knows exactly what it's like to walk in our shoes, because He has and because of that, because of Jesus, we can and should come boldly before the throne of grace. It's like God's having a barbecue; God's having a party and it's "come as you are". It's not – let's change ourselves before we come to God – no, come as you are and let Him change us. Big step - take God at His Word! And then two weeks ago we looked at Ezekiel chapter 37, in a message called, "Can these bones live". We saw how God called Ezekiel to prophesy over Israel and to raise them up from being a valley full of dead bones, to being alive and full of God's life and full of God's breath and when we come to Him feeling dead; like a valley full of dry bones, that's exactly what He wants to do for us. It's time to take God at His Word! And last week we looked at overcoming adversity God's way. We saw how Israel had strayed yet again from God and in the Book of Malachi, God pointed out their sin and their failure and He gave them a way back, specifically for them, something that they could cope with and so they took God at His Word. Today we are going to look at another form of adversity. That adversity was a consequence of Israel's own rebellion against God and that happens – we do that sometimes, but this week I'd like to look at the sort of adversity that happens that's not our fault – when you get retrenched or someone you love dies or a relationship breaks down or sickness strikes us or we just feel this heaviness – the list can be as long as your arm. What happens to us on the inside is that we feel small and alone and insignificant and Jesus is Jesus, yes He's Jesus, but He's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He's high and He's mighty and He created the whole universe. Does He have the time or the inclination or the will to help me when I'm in the middle of that? Yeah, I know, we know it in our heads, but in our hearts, right at those times? It can be so difficult to realise that God wants to help us. So we are going to look at someone that Jesus helped; it was the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. He helped her when she was a nobody and when He was everybody - He was Jesus Christ, Superstar. Let's have a read; if you have a Bible, grab it and let's go to Mark chapter 5, beginning at verse 21. This is how it goes. When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around Him and He was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue, named Jairus, came and when Jairus saw Jesus, he fell at His feet and begged Him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come, come and lay your hands on her so that she may be made well and live.” And so Jesus went with Jairus. A large crowd followed them and pressed in on Jesus. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had and she was no better, but rather she grew worse. She heard about Jesus and came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, because she said to herself, “If I can just touch His clothes I'll be made well.” Immediately, her hemorrhaging stopped and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone out of Him, Jesus turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” His disciples said to Him, “You can see the whole crowd is pressing in on you, how can you say, “Who touched me?” But Jesus looked all around to see who'd done it. The woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before Jesus and told Him the whole truth, and He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace and be healed.” While He was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house, from Jairus's place to say “Your daughter is dead, don't trouble the teacher any further,” but overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Don't fear, only believe.” The crux of this story is that Jesus is walking along and the leader of a synagogue, Jairus, comes to Him because his daughter is dying and yet, what is going to Jairus's house which is a pressing need - the guy's daughter is dying – this woman stops Jesus on the way and He has time to spend with her. Look at the key players; there is a power play going on here in this story. The crowd, the disciples, Jairus, Jesus, the woman, Jairus's friends and of course, Jairus's daughter and we see that this huge crowd was following Jesus and Jesus had been doing miracle after miracle and so He was attracting a really huge crowd. I remember when I was a young boy and the Beatles came to town, and the crowds were all around. This, this is Jesus Christ Superstar, and yet He has time to stop for this woman.   Who's Got the Power We're looking today on the program at this story of the bleeding woman; this woman who'd be struggling and she'd been to doctors and she'd lost all her money – had been struggling for twelve years and Jesus comes to town; Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by this huge crowd. Jairus, the synagogue leader, gets to Him first and a power play happens. Let's just look at the woman and Jairus – just compare them. Here were two people that both came to Jesus with a need - Jairus, his daughter was dying. Well, that's a big need; there was an urgency around that. And this woman - this woman had been struggling for twelve years in sickness. Let's just do a bit of a comparison. In this first century, patriarchal society; on the one hand Jairus was a man, she was a woman and women in those days were often treated just as a possession. See it was a patriarchal society. He was the leader of a synagogue – he was a religious leader – he was somebody in this town. This woman, she had no position – he was respected, she was despised. He had an identity; we know his name – Jairus. Tell me, what was the woman's name? We don't read her name in the story; she had no identity, she was a nobody – we never get to find out what her name was. He was close to God; he was a leader in the synagogue, but she, she was an outcast. You say to me, “Berni, how do you know that she was an outcast; she was just a woman that was sick? No, no, no. She had been bleeding for twelve years and under to Mosaic Law, this woman was unclean and so she was an outcast. Just flip your Bible, if you have one, back to Leviticus, right at the beginning, in the law; in the Torah. This is the Jewish, Hebrew Law that was laid down under God's hand. The law under which Israel lived and in chapter 15 of Leviticus, verse 25, it says this: If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, not at the time of her impurity or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her impurity, all the days of her discharge she shall continue in uncleanness. As in the days of her impurity, she shall be unclean. Every bed, on which she lies during all the days of her discharge, shall be treated as the bed of her impurity and everything on which she sits, shall be unclean as in the uncleanness of her impurity. Who ever touches these things shall be unclean and shall wash his clothes and bathe in water as be unclean until the evening. If she is cleansed of her discharge, she shall count seven days and after that she shall be clean. On the eighth day she shall take two turtle doves or two pigeons and bring them to the priest, to the entrance to the Tent of the Meeting and the priest shall offer one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering and the priest shall make atonement on her behalf, before the Lord, on her behalf for her unclean discharge. Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst. Seems bizarre to us, right? This woman was sick; you know, she was discharging blood; it wasn't just her normal period. She was sick for a long time, but the law said she was unclean and if anyone came into contact with her or anything she'd touched, they were unclean. So she was a social outcast for those twelve years. We know about Jairus; he had family and friends and home. We don't find out anything about the woman. We know that Jairus had a daughter who was twelve years old and yet this woman had suffered for that same period – twelve years. We know that there was risk for Jairus; he was a synagogue leader – he threw himself down before Jesus. We will look at that a bit later. There was risk for the woman too because she was pressing through the crowd and everyone she touched became unclean. If they knew that, they might not be so happy with her. And for both of them it was a last resort. For Jairus, his daughter was dying. For this woman, she tried everything, it was a last resort and they both came to Jesus in faith. So on the one hand you had this man of power and position and status and family - he had everything except his daughter was dying. On the other hand you had a woman with no name, who's unclean, who's an outcast and they both came to Jesus in faith. You had the greatest and the least – Jairus and the bleeding woman. That's the point of these two people. Well, who's got the power? Jesus arrives back from being across the sea and He comes back and He lands and there's a big, big crowd and Jairus, who is known by all the people in the crowd, comes and throws himself down before Jesus. Jesus has been doing some radical things. He'd been healing; people were upset with Him and yet Jairus bows down before Him and puts the power in Jesus hands. And Jesus is coming with Jairus and now Jesus has the power; Jesus has the status. Jairus has bowed down before Jesus and elevated Him by so doing and Jesus chooses to use the power for this woman. The amazing thing is that she came to Him, Jesus Christ Superstar, the crowd pressing in; Jesus is rushing off through this crowd. I imagine the disciples were like bouncers, you know, kind of clearing everyone away – “we're in a hurry, this Jairus guy's daughter is dying, let's get Jesus there before she dies.” And Jesus has time to spend with her. We'll look at how astounding that is when she touched Him in faith and His power flowed into her and she was healed. We'll look at the really astounding thing about that, next.   The Whole Truth Well we are working our way through this story of the woman who was sick for twelve years and she touched Jesus from a crowd and she was healed. Healing takes us all by surprise but what happened here for this woman is she came to Jesus in faith; she just took Him at His Word; and in the crowd where, when Jesus was rushing off with Jairus; this man of power and position, to go and heal his daughter who was dying. And the disciples were kind of being like bouncers just to get Him through the crowds. This woman touches Jesus and He stops and He turns around and He says, “Who touched me?” and the disciples laugh at Him and say, “Come on, Jesus, like there's a crowd around you. What's the matter with you – who touched you?” but He wasn't perturbed, He wanted to know who touched Him. Look at verse 33 of Mark chapter 5, if you have a Bible. It says this: The woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. The whole truth; literally, all the truth. I looked it up in a Greek dictionary. That word ‘all' means each, every, any, all, the whole, everything, all things, anything, the whole cotton-picking lot! Hmm. Twelve years she's been bleeding, she's been suffering, she's been going to doctors, she's an outcast, she's segregated, she can't worship with anyone else in the synagogue – pretty rough trot this woman's had for twelve years and let's face it, there was no hot and cold running water so she probably stank too and people talked about her. She told Jesus the whole truth. Now Jesus is rushing off to heal Jairus's daughter who's dying, the crowd stops – everything stops – like – stop!! And Jesus is focused on the woman and she bows down before Him in fear and trembling and she tells Him the whole truth. Now how long do you think it took her to tell the whole truth? It wasn't just a minute or two. The whole truth, she told Him the whole story; all the pain, everything that had happened over those twelve years. My hunch is it took at least five to ten minutes, maybe a bit more. I've often taken this passage and had people play-act it out in churches and whenever I've asked a woman to play this role and tell the whole truth, it's taken at least five to ten minutes. What about Jairus's daughter – they're rushing off – she's dying? How do you think Jairus is feeling in the middle of this five to ten to fifteen minutes of pause on the way to heal his daughter who's dying? I'm Jairus, I'm a synagogue leader, my daughter is dying, Jesus, come on. This is just some woman, you know, some nameless woman, who's unclean, come back to her later. Jairus had begged Jesus repeatedly to come with him; there's urgency – but on the way Jesus has time to stop for a nobody. Don't you love that? Jesus stopped and listened as though He had time a plenty. And He was so pleased with her – He said to her, “Daughter, your faith as made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your disease.” Jesus stopped for the nobody, but while He was still speaking, the friends of Jairus came and said, “Jairus, sorry but your kid's dead. Don't bring Jesus over, it's just too late.” In other words, there was the greatest and the least; Jairus and the woman. And as we see later in the story - we won't read it all today, but Jesus went and He raised Jairus's daughter from the dead. But when He was dealing with the greatest and the least, position made no difference to Him. Status made no difference to Him, man or woman, synagogue leader or nobody, clean or unclean – He didn't care, in fact He put the least first. And at the end of the day, Jesus had enough for both of them – it wasn't one or the other. You know, when we are struggling – this woman was going through hell for twelve years – our problems may not be like hers but our problems are our problems and they seem just as big and just as painful and we look around and we think, “This Jesus Christ Superstar, He's out there for someone else – He's going to heal the synagogue leader; He's going to do the stuff for the super Christian over there but me… you know, it's just little old me in my dark little hole, with all my pain and problems and Jesus is never going to do anything for me – this is God's Word; this is God's Word and it says this is what God looks like. Jesus said if you want to see the Father, look at me because you have seen the Father. Later on in the Book of Hebrews, in chapter 1, it says that Jesus is the exact imprint or the exact image of God. Jesus Christ Superstar heard the father's plea for the daughter, He went with the father and yet He delayed and stopped and listened to and blessed the very least. What got them both a miracle? What was it for Jairus and for this woman that got them both a miracle? It wasn't position, it wasn't status - it was a desperate last roll of the dice, faith in Jesus Christ. That was what Jesus praised her for – He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace.” And later on Jesus says to Jairus, “Don't listen to them, don't be afraid, just believe in me. Just continue that faith that brought you to a point of bowing down before me in that crowd, when everyone could have laughed at you; take that faith and hang onto that thought and let me do a miracle for you in your life.” This is God's Word. God is telling us through this story more powerfully than He could in any other words, what He is like – “This is what I am like for you, I don't care whether you are the greatest or the least, I don't care whether you are a man or a woman, I don't care whether your adversity is any bigger or worse than anyone else's, I'm here for you, here and now; here for your pain, here for your sick daughter, here for your particular situation and it doesn't matter who you are, come to me, touch me in faith, cry out to me in faith and let me be the miracle working God in your life. What's going on in your life at the moment; what pain, what need, what fear, what miracle do you need? Can I encourage you to look at this picture of Jesus; this picture of God and to cast the eyes of your soul upon this Jesus and in faith to say, “Lord, I need your help.” It is time to take God at His Word.

We're continuing our series out of the book of Proverbs. I want to dive into The theology of Proverbs.Once we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we begin our journey in growing in our faith and understanding of who God is, His will and His ways. And Proverbs places a tremendous amount of value upon learning about God and understanding His ways.Please join us as Pastor Donnie teaches on the Theology of Proverbs and Why we need it.

In the Christic Covenant God's relationship with humanity shifts from law-based performance to grace-based intimacy. This covenant emphasizes that our identity and worth are not earned but freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. We are not striving to be noticed or accepted by God. Instead, we live in reconciled rest in the reality that God already sees us fully, knows us intimately, loves us unconditionally, and has chosen us purposefully. This study explores these four aspects through the Scriptures and shows how being seen, known, loved, and chosen flow from God's grace, not our merit.

This week on Ministry Minute, we delve into the message entitled “Victory Is Your Portion.” We discuss finding hope and victory through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that no matter what challenges or difficulties we're facing - whether it's illness, financial struggles, or personal hardships - victory is possible when you are rooted in Christ. #JesusLovesYou #Victory #MinistryMinuteVictory Is Your Portion | Ministry Minute EP286Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and wrongdoings. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/ministryminute

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes' exciting local radio program, Heart of the Athlete, airs Saturdays at 9:30 am MST on 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk. The show is hosted by local FCA Director, Ken Lewis. This program is a great opportunity to listen to local athletes and coaches share their lives, combining sports with their faith in Jesus Christ each week!Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence.NNU Box 3359 623 S University Blvd Nampa, ID 83686 United States (208) 697-1051 klewis@fca.orghttps://www.fcaidaho.org/Podcast Website: https://www.790kspd.com/podcast-heart-of-the-athlete/

We explore the profound concept of 'Blessed Assurance' through the lens of Romans 5:1-11. The central theme revolves around our certainty of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We're reminded that as believers, we have peace with God, not just the peace of God. This peace isn't based on our circumstances, but on Christ's finished work on the cross. The message beautifully illustrates how even our afflictions can be a source of joy, as they produce endurance, character, and hope. We're encouraged to see trials as God's pruning process, shaping us to bear more fruit. The analogy of gold being refined in fire vividly portrays how God uses our struggles to purify our faith. As we reflect on these truths, we're challenged to anchor our assurance not in our feelings or experiences, but in the unchanging love of God, demonstrated supremely at the cross. This message invites us to live with confidence, knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ, empowering us to face life's challenges with unwavering faith.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 as part of our sermon series entitled, "The Search: Questions of Meaning and Purpose."  Americans rank 23rd globally in happiness despite unprecedented opportunities for pleasure and material wealth. The ancient book of Ecclesiastes reveals why our common happiness strategies fail us. Pursuing pleasure leads to a hedonistic treadmill where we need more and more to feel satisfied. Accumulating beauty and material possessions provides only temporary fulfillment. Instead, lasting happiness comes through three biblical principles: caring for our physical health as God designed, building meaningful relationships that combat loneliness, and pursuing spiritual restoration through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

How ‘safe’ is your faith? Could you be talked out of it? Researcher and apologist Alisa Childers explains how she almost lost her faith in Jesus Christ while being mentored by a pastor who was secretly an agnostic. She shares how years of research restored her belief in Christian tenets. Receive the book Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity plus a free audio download of “Reclaiming My Faith from Modern Skepticism” for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Your mileage may vary" is an idiomatic phrase  is relatively new that was first used in car sales now is used as your experiences may be different than others.    In your faith journey.  You will be using the amount of faith you have been given by God.  And in your lifetime, you have the opportunity to grow your faith based on the trials, tests and situations that will happen in your life.    Jesus taught that it doesn't take much faith to move a “mountain”, but we take a lifetime to learn that.    In your life you will experience things that will test your resolve, your faith, your strength, your loyalty, your character, who you really are.     When you get closer to God, those shortcomings will be more evident.  As you grow closer to God, the enemy will be allowed to throw things at you.  It will be different for each of us.   What caused you to fall or fail is different for me.   Common challenges include personal issues like financial stress, health concerns (physical and mental), and relationship problems, as well as professional struggles such as work-life balance, career uncertainty, and workplace issues like communication gaps or lack of motivation. Other challenges involve coping with loss, managing stress, and dealing with life changes, which can lead to loneliness or other mental and physical health difficulties. On a global scale, challenges include climate change, poverty, and human rights violations.   It all depends on who you are, where you are, and what God has plans for you.  Mixed with how you cope, deal, overcome, or choose.     So what is the message here. Everyone one has a journey.  Everyone will have some issues. We have to learn to not respond to the sin of our  neighbors like we don't have any.  We have to listen more than we talk.  We have to open our hearts to God more.  We have to listen to Him. And when we don't hear Him, realize it is us, not HIM that has turned down the volume.  What must I do to be saved?  What must I do to change?  What must I do, Lord?  Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.     Becoming a Christian doesn't make you immune to bad stuff happening.  You might get more than your neighbor.  There is a lot of negatives in this world.  A lot of people are in dark places.  Misery likes no it loves company.  It motivates, inspires, and cultivates staying away from the Light of God.  You will seem foolish for kingdom thinking.  And on your good days, it is easy to get full of yourself and look down on others. Which will knock you off the path you were on.  It is precarious. It is easy to fall off.  To take the wrong path when you are on the right one. And just as easy to talk yourself into continuing to walk off the yellow brick road right to a witch.     We stray very easily.  We get full of garbage and then repeat it.  Someone cosigns on it and off we go.  Tearing others down.   Only you can save yourself.  You can't pray your kids into heaven. They have to make it on their own.  Your parents can't go to church and serve God for you.     But here's the worst part.  You can play a part in another persons destruction.  You can encourage, chase away, hurt and harm someone that trust your words.  You can make them lose their faith.   How?  Your actions.  I have seen the enemy and it is us. That phrase came from a comic strip by way of the War of 18112 but it applies.    Right now I am trying to overcome me.  I have a battle inside.  The good news is, you can't win a fight you don't know that you are in.  It's like the frog that went to sleep in the hot water and didn't realize that although it felt good, he was slowing being cooked.     Some of the stuff that is going on in your life is self sabotage.  behavior or thoughts, especially of an involuntary or unconscious nature, that are harmful to one's own interests or development.    We talk negatively, to ourselves.  You know that there is "life and death  in the power of the tongue". This means spoken words have the power to build others up, foster healing, and bring joy, or to cause deep emotional wounds through gossip, criticism, and harshness.   Don't forget to speak life to your situation.  Speak life to yourself.  Speak life to your children, spouses, friends, family and when you mature enough, even to your enemies.    I am learning in the midst of the trials in my life right now, I still have choices to make.  For good or evil.  For prosperity or destruction.  I can still have and do have a future at 63.     setting new goals and reinventing yourself at your age is beneficial because it promotes a renewed sense of purpose, boosts physical and cognitive health, and increases overall life satisfaction. This phase of life often comes with more clarity, accumulated wisdom, and fewer constraints from raising a family or building a career, making it an ideal time for personal growth.      Think of yourself as a classic car.  Vintage ones are valuable. But they must be restored.  They must be cleaned.  You try to get them to the factory settings or customed.  None of us can be reset to the purity of the day we were born but you can be Born again.       That means a new beginning with God. It involves repenting of sins, having faith in Jesus Christ, and being spiritually reborn through the Holy Spirit, which results in a change of heart, identity, and life.     How you get there is up to you.  Your mileage may vary.    love you,   Kenn kenn.blanchard@gmail.com 

Because God's law cannot enable us to live a holy life, it is certain that all of us who have been converted by grace through faith in Jesus Christ will experience constant conflict with our sin.

But now, the righteousness of God apart from the law has been revealed, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ.

President Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive. The ceremony brought out the biggest names and voices in right-wing media and the MAGA movement. The medal was tailored to Charlie with a Christian cross on the back to honor is dedication in defending his faith in Jesus Christ. One of those legendary voices in attendance was Glenn Beck, he joins me today to unpack a whole host of issues. Glenn is doing research on Antifa, to expose their key players and funding. The research was so well done the FBI reached out to find out everything Glenn had uncovered. The message is the FBI is coming for Antifa. China is waging a quiet war on rare earth minerals, Glenn gives us the latest on what's going on how the US can secure these elements and win the war on the supply of these minerals that are vital to modern day technology. Senator Eric Schmitt goves us the latest on the government shutdown. Tomorrow Republicans will send the defense appropriations bill to the floor to see if Democrats want our troops to be paid or not. Senator Schmitt explains the financial disaster that Obamacare is and how insurance brokers get rich while Americans pay outrageous premiums. Featuring: Glenn Beck Host | The Glenn Beck Program CEO & Founder | The Blaze https://www.blazetv.com/ Senator Eric Schmitt U.S. Senator | Missouri https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/ Get your copy of Senator Schmitt's latest book, a New York Times best-seller here: https://a.co/d/7MXudWe Today's show is sponsored by: Delta Rescue Delta Rescue is one the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries. Leo Grillo is on a mission to help all abandoned, malnourished, hurt or suffering animals. He relies solely on contributions from people like you and me. If you want to help Leo to continue his mission of running one of the best care-for-life animal sanctuaries in the country please visit Delta Rescue at: https://deltarescue.org/ Beam Are you tossing and turning at night and running on fumes during the day? If so, then you are missing out on the most important part of your wellness, sleep. If you want to wake up refreshed, inspired and ready to take on the day then you have to try Beam's Dream powder. This best-selling blend of Reishi, Magnesium, L-Theanine, Apigenin and Melatonin will help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed. So if you're ready for the best night of sleep you ever had just head to https://shopbeam.com/SPICER to receive 40% off your order. ------------------------------------------------------------- 1️⃣ Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 2️⃣ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ 3️⃣ Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ 4️⃣ Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ 5️⃣ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply moving episode, Jenn Nizza welcomes her friend Kristina to share a very personal and heartbreaking story. Kristina's sister went missing in 2010, a tragedy that left her family without closure. In the midst of grief and unanswered questions, Kristina was offered a psychic reading—but what unfolded was unlike anything the psychic expected.Together, Jenn and Kristina discuss the dangers of seeking answers from psychics, how the enemy exploits vulnerability, and the way God protects His children through the power of the Holy Spirit. Kristina's testimony highlights both the pain of loss and the hope that comes from faith in Jesus Christ.This conversation is both sensitive and powerful, offering a warning against deception and a reminder of the unshakable truth found in Christ.FOLLOW JENN NIZZA:- Follow Jenn on Instagram- Follow Jenn on TikTok- Follow Jenn on YouTube- Get Jenn's books

272. Pathway to Joy and Happiness in Parenting with Amy Rienow   Psalm 144:15b NKJV, "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!"   *Transcription Below*   Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you share your story of God revealing a spirit of perfectionism was sneaking into motherhood? How can we recognize our own spirit of perfectionism and what can we do about it? What is one thing you've found every mom needs more of and how can we get it?   Thank You to Our Sponsor: MidwestFoodBank.org   Amy Rienow's first ministry is loving her husband and nurturing faith in their seven children. She and Rob founded and lead Visionary Family Ministries, a ministry created to equip parents, encourage couples, and help families live for Christ. She attended the University of Illinois, followed by Wheaton College Graduate School, where she earned her MA in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor. Amy has her hands full as a mom, partnering with Rob, and serving in the women's and worship ministries at church.   Savvy Sauce Episodes Mentioned in Episode: Special Patreon Re-Release: Discipline that Disciples with Dr. Rob Rienow Five Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman 87 Visionary Parenting and Grand-Parenting with Dr. Rob Rienow 182 Things I Wish I'd Have Known Before My Child Became a Teenager with Dr. Gary Chapman 220 Cultivating Healthy Family Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman 245 Stories Series: Miracles Big and Small with Dr. Rob Rienow 230 Intentional Parenting in All Stages with Dr. Rob Rienow   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:43) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Thank you to an anonymous donor to Midwest Food Bank, who paid the sponsorship fee in hopes of spreading awareness.  Learn more about this amazing nonprofit organization at MidwestFoodBank.org.   I'm thrilled to get to introduce you to my inspiring guest for today, Amy Rienow. Now, that last name may sound familiar because Amy's husband, Dr. Rob Rienow, has been a previous guest multiple times, actually. So, I'll make sure and link his previous episodes in the show notes, along with other episodes that we recommend in this conversation.   Amy and Rob are founders of Visionary Family Ministries, and they are parents to seven children. Amy is also an author, podcaster, and she's practiced as a licensed clinical professional counselor in the past, so she's going to combine all of this experience together, and her wisdom just pours out as now she's going to seek to encourage us to seek the Lord and follow His guidance, especially as parents in our parenting journey. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amy.   Amy Rienow: (1:44 - 1:51) Hi Laura. I'm so glad to do this with you. It's been a while since we've talked about it, and I'm excited to be here today.   Laura Dugger: (1:51 - 2:00) Well, I'm thrilled to have you join, and I'd love to just dive in and hear how did Jesus Christ become your personal Lord and Savior?   Amy Rienow: (2:01 - 3:39)  I love that you start with that question. I grew up in a home with a Christian mom and a non-Christian dad, but they had made an arrangement before they were even married. She did have the wisdom to ask her husband to give her the domain of that, like picking a church, and he was willing to go with us as a family to church, even though he was not a believer, and that was very clear.   But she led me to the Lord when I was about four years old, and I grew up going to church, and that was my first. I feel like I never kind of have a lot of memory of not knowing Jesus, but I would say that my faith increased and became even more my own. I feel like it was always my own, but in high school, I went on a missions trip to Mexico, and I will never forget the experience of being in a very poor town in Mexico, and there was this horrible storm coming in, and all of us Americans were afraid of the storm, and we ran into the church while the service kept going on, and literally none of the Mexican people that were outside in the service, the storm didn't faze them at all.   They just kept going on, and honestly, that was such a pivotal point in my life where I was like, that is the type of faith that I wanted to have. I mean, it really cemented. I feel like that's when the Holy Spirit just helped me to know that that's who I want to be.   I want to be a person of that kind of faith in the Lord that is not budging when the storms come.   Laura Dugger: (3:40 - 4:04) Love that. Thank you for sharing, and since that time, you've added some people to your family, so I'd love to get a snapshot of your family right now and then share some more about motherhood, specifically in one of your books you wrote about recognizing that you had a spirit of perfectionism. So, I'd love to hear more about that because I think it's very relatable.   Amy Rienow: (4:05 - 6:43) Well, my family right now, I've been married to my husband Rob for 30 years. I have seven children, R.W., Lissy, J.D., Lainey, Millie, Ray, and Rush.  And R.W. is turning 28 this year. He has one little boy.   His name is Cliff, so that's my grandbaby number three. My daughter Lissy is married to Bond, and she's about to have baby number three, so that will be my fourth grandbaby. She has Avey, Bondy, and then this little new one on the way. And then my son J.D. just got married to Brooke last summer, so that is exciting. We're thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to have Brooke in our family. Lainey is graduating from Olivet. She graduated in three years, which we're really proud of. Millie is a junior.   Ray is a freshman, and Rush is in fifth grade, and I still homeschool those three. They kind of do part-time at a Christian school here, and then I homeschool the rest of the time. So, that is my current family.   It's expanding. As you will find out when you get to the stage, expansions come very quickly, and it's exciting, exciting times. But about that spirit of perfectionism, actually, even before I became a mom, I was convicted of a spirit of perfectionism because I had always been very critical of myself.   I had a very critical spirit. Just I don't know if it was, you know, the peer pressure, what those components are. I'm a middle child, but I just tended to critique myself very harshly.   And after I was married, even about a year, the Lord showed me how, because of my husband and I were becoming one flesh, I was really turning that critical spirit onto him. But then there was a book called The Fly Lady. She is a home organization.   I think I mention it in my book, but that is when I really began to understand that I struggled with perfectionism, and that's often what kept me paralyzed. It often keep me with that, you know, I would say engaging with that critical spirit, communicating a lot of criticisms, whether it be to my children or to my husband. So, that was, you know, so it started early in marriage, but by the time I was well into motherhood, I was really starting to understand what this was. What the critical spirit was, and it really was a spirit of perfectionism.   Laura Dugger: (6:44 - 6:52) Well, and the Lord met you there, and there is a story that you share related to picture frames. Would you be willing to tell that?   Amy Rienow: (6:52 - 9:07) Yeah. So, my daughter, Lissy, was graduating from high school, and it was classic me. I was trying to like get this massive graduation party together, and I'm sort of a procrastinator and life is busy.   So, it's like we are, okay, I got to get this done before this big party, this big event, and had a friend who was a decorator to kind of give me an idea of what to do. And so, my husband and really the whole family was kind of working overtime to get everything ready for this big event. And he had helped my, we had this huge wall that had to be that my decorator friend suggested a gallery wall.   So, we had all of these pictures up and I was looking at it late at night, kind of exhausted. We're talking about past midnight and I know it wasn't just my husband helping. I had JD helping.   I don't remember where I was, but we were just all working hard to get this ready for this party. And I was laying there as past midnight looking at that wall and so frustrated, like so frustrated because all those pictures I kept looking at like, Oh, this is going to be a mess. Like they're all, they're not like, you know, they're not command stripped.   Right. And so they're all going to be, I just felt like, what have I done? It's looking crooked already.   And it was so frustrating to me. And that is when the Holy spirit completely convicted me with just like, Amy, you should be looking what's in those pictures and not whether they're crooked or not crooked. Like, first of all, like all the family has been helping me with this vision.   Right. And it's not really their vision. It's my vision.   They've all been supportive of me in front of me. It was a wall of all the memories of all these beautiful pictures. And here I was so focused on my right angles and having it look perfect for the crowd coming in at the graduation party, as opposed to what everything on that wall represented.   And so, it was a very convicting moment to me of just like, I have a choice. Am I going to embrace everything in those pictures and everything my family's done to help us get to this special day? Or am I going to come in and be fixated on how crooked those picture frames look to me right now?   Laura Dugger: (9:07 - 9:19)  Appreciate you sharing that. And I'm wondering for any parent, especially listening, if they find themselves identifying with that spirit of perfectionism, what can we do with that?   Amy Rienow: (9:20 - 11:11)  It's a challenging one because I think our culture promotes it. And I also think I'm on the flip side of the positive side of it. Let me just say, I believe there's a vision of perfect in our hearts because we were created for perfect.   We're created for heaven. And the Bible says that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, or no mind has even conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. So, there's this drive for perfect that I think is very good and right.   And so, we don't want to give up like excellence, or we don't want to give up that we have that drive. The problem is that the enemy, in fact, I've actually done more research on this. There's really can be a demonic spirit of perfectionism where we're trying to create heaven here.   We're trying to think in our own flesh and our own strength that we can take care of all of our sin, take care of all of our flaws. We can take care of our children's flaws. We can take care of our husband's flaws.   That is actually from the enemy in the sense that we believe in our own strength. And you can look at that through history. It's basically a form of humanism that we can fix everything in ourselves.   God makes it very clear in scripture that that is not possible. So, I think understanding this tension, that it's okay to want things to be wonderful, that's not bad. But what's bad is when we leave God out of the picture and we put this pressure on ourselves and on the people around us to accomplish what only can God can do.   And we don't accept God's timing. We don't have patience with who we are, our sinful nature and really put our trust in Christ and not in ourselves.   Laura Dugger: (11:12 - 12:56) Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor.   Midwest Food Bank exists to provide industry leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually. They are a food charity with a desire to demonstrate God's love by providing help to those in need.   Unlike other parts of the world where there's not enough food in America, the resources actually do exist. That's why food pantries and food banks like Midwest Food Bank are so important. The goods that they deliver to their agency partners help to supplement the food supply for families and individuals across our country, aiding those whose resources are beyond stretched.   Midwest Food Bank also supports people globally through their locations in Haiti and East Africa, which are some of the areas hardest hit by hunger arising from poverty. This ministry reaches millions of people every year. And thanks to the Lord's provision, 99% of every donation goes directly toward providing food to people in need.   The remaining 1% of income is used for fundraising, costs of leadership, oversight, and other administrative expenses. Donations, volunteers, and prayers are always appreciated for Midwest Food Bank. To learn more, visit midwestfoodbank.org, or listen to episode 83 of The Savvy Sauce, where the founder, David Kieser, shares miracles of God that he's witnessed through this nonprofit organization. I hope you check them out today.   You also write in one of your books that there's one thing that you found every mother needs. So, what is it and how can we get it?   Amy Rienow: (12:56 - 14:56) That one thing is joy, joy, joy. And, and I like to use the word happiness, honestly, because I feel like that happiness got a bad rap, I say, in Christian world for like a while, in my opinion. I don't know if it's still that way, but so often I heard sermon saying, you know, like we don't want happiness.   We want joy. Like there's these two different major things, like, you know, almost like a rejection of happiness for this deeper spiritual joy. Well, finally, the Lord really convicted me that deep, deep inner joy that doesn't show is an oxymoron.   Like, you really should see happiness. You should feel happiness. You should feel those things.   If you ever come across someone's like, oh no, I have a deep joy, but like, there's no evidence of it. Well, that's a red flag. That's a problem.   The Lord, you know, in the King James version, it actually says happier people whose God is the Lord. And I believe every mom desires that happiness. And sometimes they don't even really know that that's the most important element that they want in their home, you know, because it's so easy to get, I don't know, sidetracked on things that feel more important that you kind of forget how important happiness is.   And, you know, we can take it for granted. I feel like very easily because often when our kids are little and we don't have not entered that world of, whether it be academic or whatever into the greater world, let's just say in your home, you can kind of have like a natural happiness and joy that's just there, but it's so easily stifled. When we start putting our self into the world of either comparing ourselves to other moms, comparing our kids to other kids, stressing about the expectations or what we think our kids need.   We can often find that happiness slipping away. And I believe we do not want that to happen in our homes and in our hearts.   Laura Dugger: (14:57 - 15:08) And so how can we get more of that, both as parents and how can we train our kids to be happy and joyful as well?   Amy Rienow: (15:09 - 17:18) It's such a good question and a hard question. Cause I don't think it's just like we can snap our fingers and just do that. I think that it's really important that we are seeking the Lord and helping him order our priorities.   You know, God gave us 10 commandments for a reason. And if you look at the first one, it says, “You know, you'll have no other gods before me, you'll keep him first.” And part of the reason why I think that commandment is both like the first and also in many ways, very abstract, like, you know what I mean?   How do you even do that? You know, it's confusing, I think, but I think that's what the Lord wants is of a seeking of helping us keep him first. Because when we help to keep God first, number one, and number two, we don't have idols that we bow down to, that we place above him. Like, let's take an example of motherhood.   Let's say the idol might be, um, I have to have super smart children. Let's put it that way. You know, your joy is going to be robbed when you keep sacrificing to that idol, because that's a trap.   Like the enemy wants to trap you there to make the wrong sacrifices. And that is why I think God knows this. Like he's telling us right in those 10 commandments, you know, you need to keep me first.   You can have no, do not worship to idols. Because when you're making the sacrifices to eternal God, who is the author of joy, the author of love, the author of peace, those are the things he gives back to you. No other idol can give you peace.   No other idol can give you joy. So, I think when we look at the lack of joy that we see in a lot of our homes in our culture, it's because we've been ensnared into an idolatry where we're making the wrong sacrifices. We're sacrificing things that we don't realize the consequence of that until we're in it.   And we're like, wait, this didn't produce the happiness and joy that I expected it to produce. Cause we were tricked.   Laura Dugger: (17:19 - 17:27) Do you have any examples from your own life or friend's stories where that really comes to life?   Amy Rienow: (17:27 - 21:22) Oh boy. There's lots of examples and lots of friends stories, but I'm going to say one that's more of a story that I'm well aware of and not, you know, personally walk hand with. But I think it's always struck with me because it was so painful story. You know, I grew up, I've raised a lot of athletes in my home and my son, especially my first born very athletic boy.   And we were kind of at the beginning of the cusp of how important travel was, you know what I mean? Travel baseball and travel, you know, sports in general. And there's that pressure.   You need to choose this. You need to do this or else you are going to, you know, ruin the advantages for your child. If you don't do this, even if choosing that is going to mean you're going to sacrifice family time, you're going to sacrifice finances.   You are going to sacrifice your Sundays. I could go on and on. The world will tell you you have to do this in order to get to the prize that you're looking for, or your son is going to be disadvantaged.   If you don't choose that. And it took a lot to be like, no, we're not going to make, we're not going to make that trade. And there was a lot of pressure.   There's a lot of pressure with our son, you know what I mean? With him feeling sometimes neglected and having to deal in that relationship. So, it's not like that's immediate happiness or immediate joy, you know, but what did it did allow us to disciple him through all that.   It allowed us to see God, you know, use him, whatever team he was on, give him a lot of joy in sports. The blessing of it is that we saw him in high school, you know, excel in baseball, always rise to the top, win character awards. He eventually did go on to play college baseball and AIA, not like D1, but he got to play, got to use that gift to pay for his education.   But most importantly, he was a joyful, happy kid. Baseball didn't control his life. And I just praise God for that.   And in contrast, he, at the same, his age, same age level, there were these two boys who were twins were very well known for being top, top, top, top players. And they were just elevated in many circles we were in. And, you know, you, when you're in the baseball world, baseball moms will understand this, you know who the top players are.   You see the name, like, you know, when your son's in the paper for something, you know, he was listed in the number of top of DuPage kids. And obviously that's a feather in your cap and you're really proud of that. These boys were top of the top D1, but I'll never forget.   They went to different D1 schools and one of them ended up taking his own life his freshman year. I believe it just the most devastating thing. I could not, I cannot speak to any of those situations.   I don't know his family background. I do not know any history of at all. All I can say is it hit me really hard in the sense that these were the boys that so many parents were envying, envying of their success and of their status.   And that was so jolting to, to know that they'd received, you know, hit so many of these incredible hurdles that every parent thinks they want their kids to achieve. But obviously there was something amiss because there was a lack of joy, lack of happiness. I don't know the whole story.   But that just strikes me again of just how important it is to again, go back to keeping God first, make sure you're making the right sacrifices.   Laura Dugger: (21:23 - 22:43) That's a good word. It's such a sobering story, but making sure we're making the right sacrifices or really listening to God's counsel. That reminds me where I was this morning, Psalm 25.   I read it in the amplified version, but it was talking specifically that some of his guidance comes from his word. Like it's amazing. It's incredible.   It's important to pray and to be around others who are godly and do other spiritual rhythms, but there's nothing like reading his word to hear from him. And let me try and find the verses. Verse 14 in the amplified version says, “The secret of the wise counsel of the Lord is for those who fear him and he will let them know his covenant and reveal to them through his word, it's deep inner meaning.”   And the next verse, just the first part goes on to say, “My eyes are continually toward the Lord.” And that was such powerful takeaway this morning, but then I'm hearing it through the way that these lives played out. Because when you look, is it my understanding correct?   That you did travel sports, but they were not, your children chose not to do Sundays.   Amy Rienow: (22:44 - 25:52) Well, we did not even do travel sports for my oldest. It was back in the day when park district actually, you could, you know, like there were enough kids. So, we, my son did only park district all the way through eighth grade, but then he kind of, because he was like young for his age, he had one sort of gap year in between high school before he started like high school sports.   And that's when he did play a travel sport. We found one that honestly was not good at all. I don't think the level was any better than park district, but they accepted the no Sunday situation.   So, that's what we did. And you know, it was a losing team. Like he was on losing teams, like most of his baseball career until he got to high school.   So, it really was you know, the opposite of what the world said he needed. And yet he was able to, to rise and, and achieve. And honestly his high school experience was being able to always, he was a starter all the time and he his teams won.   So, it was like years of like, not, you know, kind of paying these prices I would say. And that's neither here or there. The winning or the losing is really not important.   The important was keeping baseball in its proper place, enjoying the gifts that God has given you, not letting, listening to the world. I'll just throw this in because we are what you said about sound. First of all, I love the amplified version.   So, that blessed me that you read the amplified, but you know, seeking the council, you, we must be as parents in his word, like regularly listening to how he's speaking to us because we also, it's so interesting. Rob and I live in a very interesting world. We had one foot, especially back then, one foot in the homeschool world, one foot in the public school area, public school community, lots of public school friends.   And then also the Christian school is where my son played. But you know, if we'd go to homeschool conference, there were tons of messages that you should not have your kids in sports at all. Sports are wrong.   Sports are a waste of time, you know? So, that was a strong message of sort of like condemnation almost for being in sports at all. So, my point is there was no one community that said, okay, this is the way, you know what I mean?   We had to seek the Lord, you know, for ourselves, for our family, for our son, knowing this was his love and his giftedness and continue to look for wisdom and how he should grow in those gifts. You know, and how he wanted to use it in his life, but not let it take over his life. And isn't that the lesson for all of us?   So, anyway, it depended on that seeking the counsel of him, both myself with my husband and then also with our W. It wasn't like we kept him out of the picture. We were praying the three of us for wisdom and all those things.   Laura Dugger: (25:53 - 26:42) I love hearing that because you're right. It's not about black and white decision of travel sports are always wrong or always right. But the main takeaway is seek the Lord because he has wisdom for our individual unique situation.   And I want to go back and close a few other loops. Sure. Please.   One of those being that even with perfectionism or with comparison or when we're choosing godly values that may contradict worldly values, I'm hearing a theme that there's a, it's a fight and that there's a spiritual battle. And you even said you had researched some of this, Amy, how do you personally learn about that and be aware of the spiritual realm?   Amy Rienow: (26:44 - 30:42) We, we really, I can't say it enough that we do need to be so aware of the spiritual realm. I didn't understand. I didn't understand in my early years of parenting at how important that was to pay attention to.   And here's the thing there's, I feel like there's the Lord brings us on a path along the way with the knowledge we need at the time. And then he wants us to stretch and grow and learn a little bit more. So, there was a season in my life.   When especially we began homeschooling, the Lord brought us into all these new teachings that we didn't really understand was so powerful. It was so wonderful. We were very blessed by all of those teaching and the conferences that we were attending.   But what began to happen for me is that the perfectionism that I knew was there kind of gotten folded into that teaching because all of a sudden I kind of wore as a spiritual, like pride that I, I called it my noble list. Now I, when I talk about my book, Not So Perfect Mom, I, this is not in the book, but this is part of my talks. Like I kind of replaced the world's list of great athlete, great, you know, so smart, all those things with my noble list.   My child will have wonderful character. My child will read God's word. My child will know what it means to serve, but you see what I mean?   We're still dealing with a list. God had to call me out of that way of thinking back to the importance of a relationship with him, meaning for myself and meaning for my kids. Because when my oldest was 12, I was starting to see that we could be raising a Pharisee. If we keep focusing on this noble list, like if he knows all of his Proverbs, if he obeys perfectly, if he, you know what I mean?   Like life is not supposed to be, God never called us to do that. He desires a daily relationship with us. And that's what he desires for our kids.   So, that was beginning to suffocate my oldest for sure. And my, I would say, and my daughter right underneath him because they felt the weight of this, you know, we need to arise to this, this standard. So, like that perfectionism can take on this, this type of robe that makes you feel very noble about it.   Especially if you're in certain circles, like spiritual circles, where if your kids look right, dress right. You know, say yes, ma'am and yes, sir. Then we're all assuming that they're wonderful and we're not really getting to the heart underneath, but that is, there's a tension and a spiritual battle.   That's far. That's super important to pay attention to. And the way the Lord showed that to me is that I would often say the phrase in conversation.   Oh, it's a battle. Oh, it's a battle. We're in a battle.   I'm the Lord. I don't know what they gave me a vision. That's too strong word, but I had this sort of, I, I guess it's a vision.   I imagine that I was on, I was sitting in a coffee, like at a table with a friend drinking coffee. And we were just, you know, chatting and yet that coffee table was in the middle of this bloody battlefield. And the Lord was just kind of showing me, this is how your attitude is about saying that it's in a battle.   Like you're sitting here, just talking with your friends, drinking coffee and chatting and laughing. And this is the battlefield. It's all around you.   What are you doing about the battle? You know, when you are following after the Lord, you need to expect opposition. You need to understand that your kids are under spiritual attack.   And if we're not praying and putting on that full armor of God and recognizing it, we're not engaged in it.   Laura Dugger: (30:42 - 31:41) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you?   Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials? Anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love. If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world.   So, we need your help. Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us.   Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   When you go back to your family of origin, did your father ever find a saving faith in Jesus Christ as well?   Amy Rienow: (31:41 - 33:11) He did. He did actually. That's such a wonderful question. And he did when my husband and I were married for about a year. And he, at Christmas day in front of our whole family, after we were sitting at the table at dinner, he kind of waited for all the gifts to be open and be at a different spot.   And he said, “Well, I opened one more gift today and it was the gift of salvation.” Wow. I still tear up thinking about it and thinking about my older brother's response, who was not an emotional person.   And I saw tears in my older brother's eyes, but I just want to even in saying that, that taught me a lot because even at the time when he accepted salvation, he even said, I don't necessarily believe all the Bible's true. He really, you know, he accepted in faith and now he doesn't, you know, the Lord took him from evolutions. Now he's probably more conservative or believes the Bible in a way that I would say many other Christians maybe wouldn't believe, but I'm saying that it was a process watching him grow.   And my kids don't even understand that, that we call him Bop Bop. He used to be a man who, you know, let the communion plate pass every week. And he was not a believer because they see him so much as a spiritual leader now, but you see how faith moves and how faith changes us.   And we need to be patient with God in ourselves, with our kids, you know, and trust in that walk with Him. Love it.   Laura Dugger: (33:12 - 33:23) Well, I'm going to change gears here a little bit. Yeah. Will you explain attachment and share why you're so passionate about this topic?   Amy Rienow: (33:24 - 37:18) That is, I do feel like I love talking about attachment. I feel like it's an underrated thing to talk about. Some of you might be familiar.   I don't know if any of these names like Mary Ainsworth or the Harlow experience, you remember the monkey Harlow experience. It's most, most kids who've had like even a high school psychology class, know that the story of the monkey who has the wire surrogate mom with the bottle. And then has like the fuzzy mom that doesn't have the bottle and the monkey goes and gets its food from the bottle of the wire mom but continues to go over to the furry surrogate mom for comfort.   That's some of the original psychology on attachment but I was started my professional job in a school with children with behavior disorders and autism. That's one of my first jobs. And, and because of that, I went to different seminars for continuing education.   And one of them was a woman who specialized in attachment. And part of the reason she specialized in attachment because she'd adopted so many children and she was sort of a professional on adoption. And that's when I really did a deeper dive into attachment and specifically something called reactive attachment disorder.   I can't go into that. It would be a long tangent. But she was such an eye-opening time.   And this is even before I had children. But she said that, you know, she couldn't say everything she wanted to about attachment and the effects specifically of daycare on children, because it wasn't politically correct. That she would lose her funding basically, if she gave her true opinion on some of the things that our culture was doing to destroy attachment among families.   And it was just very eye opening to me that, you know, when we get our baby development books, the time that I was having kids, it was What to Expect When You're Expecting and What to Expect for Your One Year Old and all these milestones that moms are looking for. And obviously moms generally love their kids. I will stand by that over and over, you know what I mean?   That's the norm. And, you know, you're told to look for all of these milestones, but really attachment is not even mentioned in this book of how important it is. What are the signs of a securely attached child?   And yet this is so significant. And it's not just in the Christian world that we can recognize this. This is universally known in the psychology world, how important attachment is.   So, let's go back to that spiritual battle. Why is it that that is not discussed? Or why is that not focused in the development book?   Or why is it that if you're going to adopt a child, you're going to learn all about attachment, but that's not something that you may necessarily come into contact with if you're just having your own children. But attachment is essential for all healthy relationships. And specifically attachment with the mother.   I mean, we can use the term primary caregiver. Yes, to other people come in and be a primary care. I'm not saying that, you know. It's not just the mom, but this relationship with the mom, this, this attachment is so significant because God created it that way.   And it, how that relationship and how that attachment happens will have this impact on all the other relationships that your child is going to have in their life. So, it's something that we need to be talking about. And I pray that it becomes more and more common for people to talk about it.   Laura Dugger: (37:18 - 37:25) Well, and I'm even curious that speaker was that Karen Purvis?   Amy Rienow: (37:25 - 38:04) Oh, I don't even remember her name. I apologize. She was not a Christian. She was not a believer.   She, well, if she was, I don't know that. Cause I was, I was listening to her in a secular setting. You know, so she might've been, I don't, so I don't know, but I, the reason why it was so curious to me that the time most of the children on my case list that I had at this school were adopted.   So, I found that so interesting, like, and that was why I went to her seminar to try to understand more that connection of the adoption. And you know, how did that play into some of the problems that these children were, were having.   Laura Dugger: (38:05 - 38:20) Well, and just to go a little bit further with attachment, let's take it from the positive side. What are some proven examples or ways that we can form that healthy attachment with our children and that bonding?   Amy Rienow: (38:21 - 40:38) Yeah, well, a lot of it is just a spending time with your child, you know, and that's why I want to be very gentle here. Cause the world that we live in, I mean, I know for a fact that there are so many moms in situations where they have to go back to work right away. There are difficult circumstances.   And I'm, I am not here to say that then you don't have an attached relationship with child. Cause that is honestly not true. But I will say that if you have any opportunity to be home with your children, please, please, please take that opportunity because your children need that contact with you to form that attachment.   I mean, the number one thing for attachment is presence, time, touch, eye contact, and smiles. I mean, like it is what the baby that interplay that's happening with the baby and the mother and, and the why babies love faces. I mean, like they, we need to have that time with our children.   We need to be the ones to know our children the best that only comes with time. But even a mom who maybe for reasons have to be away from their baby, the important thing is that when you're with them, that you are engaged. You know, I even, I don't have my phone in front of me.   Even the phone takes away attachment. You know, when you're looking at another screen, as opposed to paying attention to that communication with the baby long before they're communicating long for the communicating with words, they are interacting and communicating with you. So, God knew what he's doing when he created mothers with the ability to feed their babies.   Nursing enables attachment, you know, because the baby is dependent on the mother. So, all of these things play into why God created our system the way it is because it was designed not to just physically feed our babies, but to emotionally create this attached, secured relationship where that enables a child to feel safe, feel security.   Laura Dugger: (40:39 - 40:54) Well, that makes me think of another a word that you wisely encourage us. And that is the word affection. So, can you share why this is also important to shower on our children?   Amy Rienow: (40:55 - 43:47) Yes. You know how it is when you become a mom, there's all these new parenting styles out there, things that you get bombarded with, or should I do this? Or, you know, and I think I was really impacted by a Bible, small group where a woman was talking about her six-month-old needing disciplining her six-month-old.   And it hit me really negatively because I just heard a woman who had had like, I think she has 17 children who talked about, you know, there's, you cannot spoil and she used, you cannot spoil anybody under the age of two. I would say it's as much as under three with as far as attention and love and affection, affection, your children need your affection. Again, let's go to how this, how Satan, let's go back to that spiritual battle.   We can keep going back. Cause I often find you can see God's truth with how it's perverted in the world. So, let's look at how we have a sex education system now in so many schools, including in Illinois that tries to teach younger children horrific adult sexual behaviors, correct?   And they are manipulating what needs to, what children do need, which is positive, a non-sexual physical connection with their parents, with their siblings, with aunts and uncles. So, so in some ways I can remember early in my career and either in my development in getting my classes, my masters, you know, in some ways they demonize, you know, like parents are afraid to sometimes have too much physical touch or too much of this because it's almost like, Oh, we can't, you know, we have to make sure our children are more independent, you know, like, like for example, co-sleeping, which builds a lot of affection between parents, which is normal in most cultures and normal throughout history can be viewed as really negative. Like, you know, you gotta get your kid in another room and another, like pushing them out early and yet look at what we see from the world, which is an encroachment of inappropriate touch, inappropriate sexuality at younger and younger ages.   And obviously kids who don't have positive, strong, physical affection are more inclined to fall for Satan's counterfeit. And desire and need touch, but they, they, it's been twisted from the world's perspective.   Laura Dugger: (43:47 - 44:17) Does that make sense? Are you tracking with that? I am.   And it's even making me think of a previous guest, Dr. Gary Chapman, talking about mostly the five love languages of in marriage and how those are displayed. But we also discussed with children and the parent child. And I'm just thinking as you're giving examples of affection, it, it even goes beyond the hugs and kisses and appropriate touch to acts of service and lighting up with them and spending that quality time and all those love languages.   Amy Rienow: (44:18 - 46:16) That's right. As the kids get older, I mean, my, my, we joke about, you know, I have certain sons that, did not want to be touched at all when they were 13, 14. We laughed at my son J.D. like he would want to come give me hugs and he would want to, but it had to always be on his terms.   Like I could never come up, you know what I mean? And how can you, my affection towards him was I'll get you a double cheeseburger. I will make you a milkshake.   That was the way I communicated my affection to him, but it was also my presence in listening to him when he needed to be listening to. There's so many ways as we get older. Right.   And I love Gary Chapman's work as far as like understanding our kids love, love languages, but I'll never forget, you know, I just had JD's wedding and he surprised me with the mother son dance and he had a song ready for me. I'm going to cry again, but it was this wonderful, he had told his siblings that he was probably going to cry on his wedding day when he saw Brooke and when he danced with his mom. And I had so many, and he was really hugging me and holding on and not afraid to be affectionate with me during that dance.   And that's because affection has always been a normal part of our home and a normal part of our relationship. And so, I just want to encourage parents out there not to be afraid of both physical affection when they're young and don't push your child. If your child is needing you or wants hugs, I would say, don't hesitate to give those to them because there is a culture again that pushes kids like, Oh, you shouldn't need that now.   You shouldn't, you're too old for that. Let them determine those boundaries. You give them the hugs and the affection as long as they still want it.   Cause I promise you they're all going to come to a day and they're not gonna want it. And you don't need to worry about if they're looking for that for you, it's a need that, that you can still meet.   Laura Dugger: (46:17 - 46:34) Well, and one other piece of parenting. I know we oftentimes hear mom guilt. I don't know if dads experienced the same thing, but how can we overcome that?   And what do you see as being at the root of struggling with sometimes that false guilt?   Amy Rienow: (46:35 - 49:52) Yes. Well, that I think comes so much again. Well, for me, it came internalized.   I had, I carried some internalized guilt with me, but that's compounded by a culture that puts so many expectations and demands on us as mothers. Where we are bombarded with another ideal, another sense of where we're falling short. And again, I know I keep coming back to the spiritual attack, but the point is I want to lay it out there that sometimes, sometimes moms can feel like, especially in an area, this sounds interesting, but because so many more children have been in daycare or exposed to a lot more developmental things at young ages. If you are like home with your kids, if you feel like, well, gosh, I'm not providing a craft every day.   I'm not, you know, I'm not reading. I went to the library and it literally had this whole campaign on a thousand books before kindergarten. Like, are you kidding me?   And that's the kind of thing. It's like, you're just having a normal mom day and all of a sudden you walk into the library and you get bombarded with what? I'm supposed to read my child a thousand books before, like a new standard that's just put in front of you.   And the enemy uses that to, to make women feel that they're not enough, you know? And first of all, we have to go back to God's word. That says, “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”   And to really understand that, yes, we need to be open to be convicted to sin. But when we are convicted of something that our heavenly father wants us to change, we will experience a freedom and a lightning when we repent. And it'll be like a burden lifted up.   And as soon as you have that revenge, you feel like you've been given a gift. It's not something that's a burden. So, that is always my guide for women.   Like if you are under something that you feel like is a burden that you're carrying around, um, this sense that you're not doing enough or that you're a bad mom, that is not coming from your Heavenly Father. You need to reject that in the name of Jesus Christ, because this sense is clearly from the accuser. The Bible says Satan is an accuser and he stands accusing us, but Jesus is there to, you know, to say, no, that's my child.   They're covered by my love covered by my grace. So, we don't want to live under that over that guilt, bad mom guilt shadow for whatever, you know, God knows our faults. He doesn't expect us not to have faults, and your children are going to have faults and your husband are going to have faults.   So, if we think that the Lord is, you know, carrying around our faults, hanging over this, we need to, we need to be reminded that that's not from him and we have to reject it. And again, we're talking about a spiritual battle. You might have to reject the same lie 20 times a day until you find real freedom from falling for that guilt trap.   Laura Dugger: (49:53 - 50:12) Well, and along those lines, as you talk about engaging in the battle, you encourage us as children to woo our children in this same way that the Lord draws us close to him. So, how can we go and do likewise as the Lord does?   Amy Rienow: (50:12 - 52:09) Woo our children's hearts. Like I think it's important to know that the relationship that we have, our kids will, the more we model our relationship, our parenting off of how our heavenly father parents us, the easier it will be for our kids to kind of what I, I have a visual in my mind that I'm walking with my child's hand and I'm holding Jesus hand and I'm gradually through this parenting, trying to connect my child's hand to Jesus hands.   Like that's the picture that I want to be guiding my parenting, not I'm trying to raise you to be X, Y, Z, da, da, da, da, da. I'm trying to lead you to your Heavenly Savior. So, you're going to walk with Him.   So, Jesus is, you know, there's many components of our relationship with Jesus and the Heavenly Father and Holy spirit. But one of them is that God woos the hearts of his people. When you read scripture, He desired, He's always telling them you walk with Me.   “My burden is easy. My yoke is light.” You know what I mean?   He's, He's showing us this freedom and this love and grace. He's not coming with a sense of, see, you're doing this and this and this and this and this. And that's why. You know what I mean?   Like you see God's everlasting love for his people. And we want to woo our children with that same kind of everlasting love. You know, I always say, say you can, you can demand your kids to obey you.   You can demand your kids to respect you, but no one can demand love. Even our Heavenly Father doesn't demand love. He gives us free will and choice to choose to love him.   And so, we want to remember that with our kids to woo them. We want them to choose to love us. So, we woo our hearts.   You already mentioned Gary Chapman by understanding our kids' love languages. You know, realizing that's part of our job as a parent is to woo their hearts.   Laura Dugger: (52:10 - 53:13) So, I love how you're drawing this out as the Lord being the best parent ever and that we can learn from Him. That was something that I felt like he was really teaching me in my quiet time this week. And I wanted to take it one step further.   So, for me applying that, I just made a note on my phone and now anytime I come across a parenting scripture, I want to put it in this same list and go back and review it and be prayerful that the Lord can change me to be more like Him as a parent. So, I'm just going to share the first verse that inspired me to do this this week is Luke 6:36 and the amplified version again, “Be merciful, responsive, compassionate, tender, just as your Heavenly Father is merciful.” And so, Amy, just as He's a great parent and we can learn from Him, I appreciate you just drawing us back, pointing us to the heart of the Father.   And if we want to continue learning from you after this chat, where would you like to direct us?   Amy Rienow: (53:13 - 55:30) Well, I'd love you to come to our website at visionaryfam.com and listen to us at our podcast, Family Vision. You know, we named it Family Vision kind of like television because television really changed the American family. It did when it first introduced on to the scene and our heart is that family vision.   Our podcasts would help give your family a new vision, a vision from God's word for all that he wants to do in your family. You can also find our books well on our website, but also on Amazon. We have, I brought a couple today, but Not So Perfect Mom: Learning to Embrace What Matters Most, which is what you're talking about today.   And this book is very close to my heart because it really was wonderful. It was the easiest book I've ever written because I just felt like it was being able to talk about how God has worked in my own life and my own journey. And it just was the like culmination of so many conversations I've had with moms like all over the country, but really overseas and over the world.   And we're all battling some of the same exact things. So, I just, I would encourage you to pick up Not So Perfect Mom: Learning to Embrace What Matters Most. And then the other book that is, it's not new, it's called Shine Embracing God's Heart for You.   I'm actually leading a group of women through it on a zoom study right now. Um, but I actually wrote this, originally back in 2005 when I was a youth pastor's wife. Um, but really it's all about kind of what I talked about earlier of just, recognizing how to, to trust and believe the Lord.   I said, you know, wholeheartedly with our head and our hearts and our hands and, and really going back to, you know, keeping God first, identifying idols in our life. So, we, you know, the more that we get our own relationship with the Lord centered and we kind of figured that part out. I feel like everything flows from that in our homes, in our marriage, in our other relationships. So, I highly recommend, um, picking up this shine and there's a prayer journal to go with it.   There's a leader's guide. If you'd like to lead a group and that's all on Amazon or at our website.   Laura Dugger: (55:31 - 55:48) Wonderful. As always we'll add the links to that in the show notes for today's episode and Amy, you already know that we're called The Savvy Sauce because Savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Amy Rienow: (55:48 - 57:06) I love that question. My Savvy Sauce is actually mentioned in Not So Perfect Mom, but it's when the Lord gave me that quote, “whatever is worth doing is worth doing poorly.” I feel that perfectionism kept me paralyzed so often.   If I couldn't do things exactly the way I thought that they should be in my head, then I was kind of pathetic and wasn't going to do it at all. And so, my encouragement in any area, if you know something is worth doing. Let me give you a practical example really quick on this, even when it comes to like, um, when you're struggling with your marriage. I know I had some issues in my marriage with my husband where I was getting to the point where I didn't even really want to go out on a date, you know, because it was just discouraging and whatever's worth doing is worth doing poorly. So, knowing that, you know, even when my relationships aren't living up to my expectations, or even when I'm feeling hurt, the Lord tells us to press on. Don't, don't stop doing what you know, God wants you to do, um, because you don't think it's living up to your expectations.   Do it. Just do it.   Laura Dugger: (57:07 - 57:38) That's a good word. And Amy, you have so much to share. Our family has benefited so much from the ministry and work that you and Rob do through Visionary Families.   And I am just so grateful for your time and you just to share all of this parenting wisdom. It felt like a mentoring conversation. I loved hearing all the ways that you've been intentional in what you've learned from the Lord. So, thank you for seeking Him.   Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for being my guest.   Amy Rienow: (57:39 - 57:58) Thank you, Laura, for having me. It's been a delight. I love connecting hearts with people who are like-minded.   I love what you're doing with The Savvy Sauce. In fact, my neighbor is one of your devoted followers, and she was so excited to hear about your podcast. So, thank you so much for having me and it's truly an honor and a pleasure to be here.   Laura Dugger: (57:59 - 1:01:13) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.